Jun 20 1971
From The Space Library
PAET Planetary Atmosphere Experiments Test was launched by NASA from Wallops Station at 3:31 pm EDT on four- stage Scout booster. Primary objective was to investigate means of determining structure and composition of unknown planetary atmosphere. Secondary objectives were to determine profile of water vapor in earth's atmosphere, with altitude, from absorption measurements of reflected sunlight in infrared; investigate effect of radio signal attenuation on relay communications when transmitting from aft hemisphere of a blunt entry vehicle; determine if nearly circular spiral pitching motion could be achieved with blunt entry vehicle; obtain flight-performance data on low-density ablator; and measure vehicle and spacecraft performance parameters. Spacecraft achieved planned trajectory within nominal limits, reached 6500-m-per-sec (21327-fps) entry vehicle velocity at time of separation, and impacted within expected area 965 km (600 mi) down-range about 158 km (85 nm) northeast of Bermuda. PAET entry vehicle instrumentation was functioning during reentry. Real- time and delayed-time playback telemetry records covering reentry period and radar track to near impact were obtained. PAET entry spacecraft was 64 cm (25.2 in) long and 91.4 cm (36 in) in diameter. Forebody was blunt cone with spherical segment nose and afterbody was hemispherical. PAET program was directed by OART. ARC was responsible for spacecraft design, fabrication, and testing. Wallops Station was responsible for launch, tracking, and data acquisition. (NASA Proj Off; WS Release 71-10)
ARC would join California Statewide Air Pollution Research Center in smog research program to start in late June, NASA announced. Program would include 12 Cessna 401 aircraft flights over San Francisco Bay area yearly for three years, to trace photochemical production of pollutants and their dispersion in atmosphere. Aircraft would carry some 230 kg (500 lbs) of research equipment for tests at altitudes to 5200 m (17 000 ft). Data collected would be available to research collaborators and data users in Air Pollution Control Office of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California State Air Resources Board, Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District, Assn. of Bay Area Governments, and other NASA centers. (NASA Release 71-108)
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