NSSDCA ID: 1964-086A-01
Mission Name: Explorer 26Trapped electrons and protons in the earth's Van Allen belts were measured using a combination of six omnidirectional and directional solid-state particle detectors (silicon p-n junctions). Electrons were analyzed in the energy ranges E>1 MeV, E>3.5 MeV, and E>2.5 MeV with the three omnidirectional detectors (E1, E2, E3), and in the ranges E>0.3 MeV, E>0.45 MeV, and E>1.7 MeV with the three directional detectors (E5, E6, E7). Protons were analyzed in the energy ranges E>10 MeV, E>27 MeV, and E>21 MeV with the omnidirectional detectors, and in the ranges E>1.5 MeV, E>5.0 MeV, and E>16 MeV with the directional detectors. Species discrimination was not always possible. Omnidirectional data were accumulated and telemetered every 1.43 s. Directional data were accumulated for 0.145 s and telemetered every 0.29 s. The spacecraft spin period increased from 0.03 min to 0.5 min during the spacecraft life. Proton data were primarily useful in identifying proton contamination of electron counting rates. The instrument behaved well throughout the spacecraft life. NSSDC has all the data that exist from this investigation.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Louis J. Lanzerotti | Other Investigator | AT&T Bell Laboratories | louis.j.lanzerotti@njit.edu |
Mr. L. Medford | Other Investigator | AT&T Bell Laboratories | |
Dr. Walter L. Brown | Principal Investigator | AT&T Bell Laboratories |