The German plasma-cloud satellite for the AMPTE project
Abstract
The Iron Release Module (IRM) being built by the FRG for the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers project (AMPTE) scheduled for launch in August, 1984, is characterized. The other AMPTE components are the US Charge Composition Explorer (CCE) and the UK Satellite (UKS) which will support the plasma-diagnostics measurements of IRM from a distance of several hundred km. The mission goals of AMPTE, the satellite and orbit parameters, the IRM components (3D plasma analyzer, mass-separating ion sensor, suprathermal-energy ionic-charge analyzer, magnetometer, plasma-wave spectrometer, and Li/Ba release mechanism), and the design constraints are examined and illustrated. The technical realization of the design is described in detail, with discussion of the mechanical structure, its static and dynamic loading characteristics and stability, the electrical system, the thermal concept, and the redundant microprocessor control system.
- Publication:
-
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt
- Pub Date:
- October 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983dglr.meet.....H
- Keywords:
-
- Earth Magnetosphere;
- Ion Motion;
- Magnetopause;
- Plasma Clouds;
- Satellite Design;
- Satellite Sounding;
- Comets;
- Electric Power Supplies;
- Range Finders;
- Solar Energy Absorbers;
- Solar Wind;
- Thermal Analysis;
- Visual Observation;
- West Germany;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles