NSSDCA ID: 1966-094A-08
Mission Name: Luna 12An engineering test, the R-1 gear system test, to study the behavior and efficacy of a mechanical reduction gear transmission system and bearings in a vacuum was run for application to future lunar rovers. The unit comprised an electric motor and two pairs of toothed reduction gears mounted in a unit with bearings, a hermetically sealed magnetic coupling from the motors to the gears, and temperature sensors. The motor would drive the gears in vacuum and the current of the motor aperture, temperature, and operation time would be recorded and transmitted to Earth. The torque on the input shaft of the gears could be determined from the current and the temperature. The only load on the engine was the turning of the meshed gears, so the efficiency of the gears could be calculated. The results matched up well with equivalent tests done in vacuum chambers on Earth.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
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