Explorer 37

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Explorer 37
NamesSOLRAD 9
Solar Explorer-B
Mission typeSolar science
OperatorNASA / NRL
COSPAR ID1968-017A
SATCAT no.03141
Mission duration6 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer XXXVII
Spacecraft typeSolar Explorer-B
BusSOLRAD
ManufacturerNaval Research Laboratory
Launch mass198 kg (437 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date5 March 1968, 18:28:00 GMT[1]
RocketScout B (S-160C)
Launch siteWallops Flight Facility, LA-3
ContractorVought
Entered service5 March 1968
End of mission
Last contact25 February 1974
Decay date16 November 1990
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[2]
RegimeCircular orbit
Perigee altitude448 km (278 mi)
Apogee altitude638 km (396 mi)
Inclination59.40°
Period95.50 minutes
Instruments
Solar Radiation Detectors
Explorer program
 

Explorer 37, also SOLRAD 9 or Solar Explorer-B, was a NASA satellite was one of the SOLRAD (Solar Radiation) program that began in 1960 to provide continuous coverage of solar radiation with a set of standard photometers. Explorer 37 was a spin-stabilized satellite oriented with its spin axis perpendicular to the Sun-satellite line so that the 14 solar X-ray, and ultraviolet photometers pointing radially outward from its equatorial belt viewed the Sun on each revolution. Data were transmitted in real time by means of an FM / AM the satellite's telemetry system and recorded in a core memory that read out its contents on command. Individual scientists and institutions were invited to receive and use the data transmitted on the 136-MHz telemetry band on the standard Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) channels 3 through 8. For the period of July 1971 to June 1973, the core memory data of Explorer 44 (SOLRAD 10) were used rather than those from Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9). The Explorer 44 (SOLRAD 10) core memory failed on 11 June 1973, and Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9) was heavily used until 25 February 1974, when the gas supply of the attitude control system was exhausted. Lacking attitude control, Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9) was operationally useless and was turned off.[3]

Launch[]

Expkorer 37 was launched on 5 March 1968, at 18:28:00 GMT,[1] from Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), of the LA-3, Virginia, with Scout B launch vehicle.[3]

Experiment[]

Solar Radiation Detectors[]

This experiment consisted of 14 detectors covering the ranges 20 to 80 keV, 0.5 to 60 A, and 1080 to 1350 A. The detectors were designed to measure wavelength and flux shifts of solar radiation during periods of low and high solar activity. The detectors were standardized photometers similar to those flown on Explorer 30 (SOLRAD 8). Data from three pairs of these detectors, covering the range 0.5 to 16 A, were stored in the onboard memory to provide full time coverage, while the other data were transmitted in real time only (real-time data were recorded for at least 10 minutes per orbit). The ultraviolet and 20- to 80-keV detectors failed shortly after launch.[4]

Atmospheric entry[]

Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9) returned to the atmosphere, disintegrating on 16 November 1990.[2]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Trajectory: Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9) 1968-017A". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ a b "Display: Explorer 37 (SOLRAD 9) 1968-017A". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ "Experiment: Solar Radiation Detectors". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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