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GEMINI SPACECRAFT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SPECIFICATION [U)
8
REPORT 638 SERIAL NO.
c
CONTROL NO. ~67466
GEHUI
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Unclas
MOOOA/A/H
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
APPROVALS
Prepared by:
F« b. Jcmes - Specifications Group
Approved by:
L. M. Parker - Sr. Specifications Engineer
W. J. Bmtz - ProjectTEngineer
MCDONNELL
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
;
REV^SEi 11 ^ JUIV -IffST' '"""
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PARAGRAPH TITLE PAGE NO.
TITLE PACE
APPROVALS i
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES iv
LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES V
INDEX OF REVISIONS vi
1. GENERAL 1
1.1 Scope 1
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS •1 •
2.1 General 1
2.2 Government Documents 1
2.3 McDonnell Documents 1
2.3.1 Reports 1
2.3.2 Drawings 1
2.3.3 Process Specifications 2
2.U Supersedence U
3. DESCRIPTION 6
3.1 General 6
3.2 Power Distribution 6
3.3 System Management 7
3.3.1 Visual Indications 7
3.3.1.1 Power Transfer Warning Light 7
3.3.1.2 Battery Condition Indicator 7
3.3.1.3 Ammeter 7
3.3.1.U Voltmeter 10
3.3.1.5 ©2 Quantity and Pressure 10
3.3.1.6 H2 Quantity and Pressure 10
3.3.1.7 Stack Malfunction Indication 10
3.3.1.8 Coolant Pump Warning Lights 10
3.3.1.9 Fuel Cell Ammeter 10
3.3.2 Switches 10
3.3.2.1 Switches - Fuel-Cell Battery Subsystem 10
3.3.2.2 Switches - Silver- Zinc Battery Subsystem 12
3.3.2.3 Bus Tie Switch 12
3.3.2.U Voltmeter Selector Switch 12
3.3.3 Mission Electrical Procedures 12
3.3.3.1 Pre launch 12
3.3.3.2 Launch Through Insertion 12
3.3.3.3 Catch-Up Through Orbit 13
3.3.3.U Retrograde and Re-entry 13
3.3.3.5 Landing and Post-Landing 13
MCDONNELL
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS. MISSOURI PAGE iii
REVISED 6 June 1962 REPORT. 8638
REVISED November 1962 MODEL . Gemini
Bcrx/icrn Gemini
•
LIST OF TABLES
AND FIGURES
INDEX OF REVISIONS
PAGES AFFECTED
DATE REMARKS REVISED BY APPROVED
REVISED ADDED REMOVED
7/11/62 ii and
vi
6, 10,
11, 18,
37, 39
and UO
vi
MCDONNELL
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
1. GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE.- The purpose of this specification is to delineate the
applicable documents, description, environmental conditions,
reliability and quality assurance provisions, data requirements, testing, and
definitions pertinent to the Gemini Model 133? spacecraft electrical system.
This document is not to be construed as, or used for, an inspection guide.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
2.1 GENERAL.- It is the contractor's intent, relevant to the use of
Government specifications in the design, fabrication and instal-
lation of the electrical system, to utilize existing specifications where
practicable. In cases where the subject matter is applicable but the specific
requirements are not compatible due to the advanced design of this system, the
specifications and documents referenced are followed only to the extent that
the intent of such requirements are met.
2.2 GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS.- Government specifications, standards, and
publications listed in McDonnell Report 8357 form a part of this
system specification to the extent specified in Paragraph 2.1.
2.3 MCDONNELL DOCUMENTS.- The following McDonnell documents are
applicable to this system specification insofar as their content
concerns the system described herein.
2.3.1 REPORTS
8357 "Gemini Spacecraft Applicable
Documents"
8518 "Electrical and Electronic Equip-
ment Design Requirements for
Model 133?"
8580-3 "Project Gemini Reliability Plan"
8580-5 "Project Gemini Test Plan"
8580-7 "Quality Assurance Provisions
(Plan) for Project Gemini Space
System"
8580-8 "Model 133P Gemini Program
Documentation Plan"
8612/MB-10U8 "Gemini Spacecraft/Launch Vehicle
Interface Specification"
2.3.2 DRAWINGS
52-79700 Battery, Fuel Cell
52-79702 Battery, Storage
MCDONNELL
20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 2
52-79711 Floodlight
52-79722 Diode
52-81707 Voltmeter
REVISED
6 June 1962 REPORT. 86^8
OOliriDEMTlAL
MCDONNELL
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
1
REVISED I ? November 1962 REPORT. 8638
REVISED MODEL . Gemini
ooirriDBMr
MODOJVJV£
DATE 20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
3. DESCRIPTION
REVISED
6 June 1962 REPORT.
REVISED
1$ licwMbar 1962 MODEL .
LOADS LOADS
MAIN BUS
3
AGE-MAIN '
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BUS-1
SWITCH GND. TEST
POWER
JSQUIB BATT ON
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ON'JL IPr 1
AGE-SQUIB BUS S/ OFF
AGE - SQUIB BUS/
MAIN POWER SW.
2
SQUIB ARM SW. (B.N,
I 1.) SECTION CONTROL SWITCH (ON)
(A) OPENS H20 DRAIN
(B) APPLIES H2 & Oj REACTANT
2.) COOLANT INTERLOCK
(A) COOLANT PUMP MUST
BE OPERATING
3.) SECTION POWER SWITCH (ON)
(A) CONNECTS SECTION TO BUS
IF ITEM 1 AND 2 ARE SATISFIED!
4.) STACK REMOVAL SWITCH (OFF)
(A) EL
ELECTRICALLY DISCONNECTS
. STACK STACK FROM BUS
"
. 2-B
fl (B) SHI
(B) SHUTS OFF H, TO
INDIVIDUAL STACK
INI
STACK
2-C
SAFE
BOOST-INSERTION-ABORT BUS -1
ARM ~~~
RETROGRADE BUS -1
RETROGRADE BUS -2
iURE 2
"Page missing from available version"
JlfOOOJVJVC
DATE 20 February 1Q62 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 10
3-3.2 SWITCHES
O'OliriDDIfl'lAL"
MCDONNELL
20 February 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 1L
REVISED 6 June 1962 REPORT 8638
REVISED 15 November 1962 ,. fOmFIDEMTIAL * MODEL Gemini
3.5 COMPONENTS
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DATE 6 «fyne 3962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE lfi_
3.5.U SKETCHES
3.5.1i.l TOGGLE SWITCHES.- Toggle switches used in the Gemini Spacecraft
are sealed so as not to constitute a fire or explosion hazard,
and are of construction sufficiently durable to withstand mechanical stresses
imposed during the missions specified in Paragraph 3.1. Travel between extreme
positions is between 26 and k6 degrees. Terminals are permanently and legibly
marked on the switch housing.
3.5.b.2 ROTARY SWITCHES.- The rotary switches used in the Gemini spacecraft
incorporate housings which completely enclose the switching
mechanism. The switches are sealed so as not to constitute a fire or explosion
hazard. All terminals are solder-type, located on the back of the housing,
A positive detent mechanism is provided, which minimizes the possibility of
the movable contact coming to rest between contact positions. Contact arrange-
ment is permanently marked on the switch houseing. Switches are constructed
to withstand temperature, pressure, and acceleration variables encountered in
the course of the missions described in Paragraph. 3•!• R
E
3.5.U.3 LIMT SWITCHES.- Deleted. V
3.5.U.ii TELELIGHTS.- The telelights used for functional indication on the
Gemini spacecraft incorporate opaque legends on translucent
backgrounds, with legends appearing dull black when the lamps are de-energized.
The dual parallel-connected lamps are red, amber, or green as dictated by
telelight usage. Coloration is effected by the installation of filters on the
lamps. Test terminals are provided, with an internal diode arrangement to
prevent1 energizing the input circuit when test voltage is applied.
3.5.it.U.I TELELIGHT/SWITCHES.- The telelight/switches incorporate the
features described above, and in addition provide an integral
switching capability. The positive-break switch is housed in a hermetically-
sealed case and actuated when the telelight display is pressed. Switches are
of the momentary-contact type, which automatically return to normal position
upon release, and alternate-contact type, in which each successive actuation
results in repositioning to the alternate set of contacts.
3.5.5 EXTERNAL POWER CONNECTIONS.- Prior to launch, external power is
supplied to the re-entry module to prevent undue depletion of the
spacecraft power supply. This is accomplished by means of an electrical dis- R
connect assembly. The adapter and re-entry module also contain electrical E
connections for monitoring spacecraft parameters during prelaunch checkout. V
Each disconnect assembly consists of a plug and receptacle assembly and a
coupling device for securely retaining these components in the engaged position.
The disconnect assembly is capable of positive disengagement/separation both
electrically by a solenoid device and manually by a lanyard-initiated mechanism.
The re-entry module disconnect is normally released at approximately T-30
seconds. The adapter module disconnect is normally released at T+3 to T+5
seconds, with the backup device actuated by movement of the launch vehicle.
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 20
REVISED November 1962 REPORT. 86^8
REVISED MODEL . Gemini
k. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
U.1 GENERAL.- This system and its components vill "be capable of .
acceptable performance when subjected to the environmental
conditions as specified in Tables I, II or III, as applicable, except as
otherwise specified in individual paragraphs herein.
5« QUALITY ASSURANCE
6. RELIABILITY
7. DATA REQUIREMENTS
8. TESTING
8.1 GENERAL.- In addition to the acceptance, design approval, and
reliability tests described in Paragraph 5.1 and 6.1, the elec-
trical system will undergo numerous other tests, both as an individual system
and as an integrated portion of the spacecraft system as a whole. Details of
the various tests are itemized in M.A.C. Report 8580-5. Basic test groups are
described in the following paragraphs. Throughout the testing program, system
performance and interaction with other systems will be monitored, recorded,
and evaluated. Design, fabrication, procedural, and/or installation corrections
and improvements will be implemented where necessary as a result of these
evaluations.
8.1.1 BATTERY TESTS.- A prototype fuel-cell battery system (less
reactant tank's) will be assembled and tested for fuel flow, purge
requirements, voltage regulation, and susceptibility to voltage fluctuations.
This prototype system will be upgraded to a production system as parts become
available, and installed in the compatibility test unit, where it will be N
employed to power the spacecraft systems in a simulated mission evaluating the E
batteries under actual spacecraft systems loads and transients. Switchover W
from fuel-cell to silver-zinc batteries will be accomplished during this oper-
ation. The reactant storage system will be separately tested under critical
fuel flow.
The fuel-cell battery/reactant storage system will be installed
in an altitude chamber and tested under simulated orbital load (which will be
determined from tests performed with the spacecraft systems of the compatibility
test unit) until the reactant supply is totally depleted, to determine the
ampere-hour capacity for a single fueling.
8.1.2 COOLING SYSTEM TESTS.- The common cooling system which serves
the fuel-cell power supply, equipment cold plates, and environ-
mental system heat exchangers will be tested in production prototype form in
a simple mockup which simulates component spacing and geometric relationship.
Heating elements will simulate equipment heat loads and the production proto-
type power supply or heating elements will provide the fuel-cell battery heat
load. The tests will evaluate flow rates, pressure drops, and heat transfer
characteristics of the radiator and cold plate/circulation systems, both
separately and combined, under ambient and simulated altitude conditions. Ihe
complete production prototype system will be installed and tested in the
compatibility test unit and with the production prototype fuel-cell system
(see Paragraph 8.1.1). The complete spacecraft cooling system will be tested
under simulated mission environmental conditions during the course of the
simulated orbital mission (see Paragraph 8.1.1;).
. T . . MOOOAfJVJ
DATE b. June 19&2 ST> LQU|S> M1SSOUR1 PAGE
9. DEFINITIONS
9.1 GENERAL.- The terms listed below are used, in this specification
and are defined as follows:
REVISED
MCDONNELL
ST. LOUIS. MISSOURI
REVISED
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS F
Equipment
Life
Prel
Environment
Ambient Temperature 20°F
Anbient Pressure 23.5
Temperature-Pressure N.A.
Relative Humidity
Rain MIL-
Salt Sea Atmosphere MIL-;
Sand and Dust MIU
Fungus (2) MIL-:
Oagrgen Atmosphere 100*
Shock (3) (U) (5) N.A.
Vibration
Equipment Category A (Figure 6) (7) Proti
Equipment Category B (Figure ?) (8) Prot<
Random (Figure 8) Proti
Acoustic Noise Proti
Radio Interference MIL-:
Atmosphere I.A.
NOTESt
1. N.A. • Not applicable.
2* Applicable to untested and untreated materials only.
3* "Lateral Spacecraft Axes" refers to both the pitch
and yav asss as defined for Spacecraft control.
U. All shock and acceleration loads in this table are
limit loads* Satisfactory performance is required
during and/or after limit load application, which-
ever is appropriate* Kb equipment shall tear loose
from its mount and internal parts shall be contained
under application of ultimate loads. Ultimate load
is 1.36 times limit load*
TABLE I
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE RE-ENTRY MODULE IN THE
>
Longitudinal Space- Og
craft Axis: 1. g
to 7.25 g linearly
witn time over 326 sec.
Re-Entry Post-Landing
REVISED
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Vibration
Category A (Figure 6) (9) protected
Category B (Figure 7) (10) Protected
Random (Figure 8) Protected
Acoustic Noise (11) Protected
Radio Interference MJL-I-26600
Explosive Atmosphere B.A.
NQTKSi
1. N.A. • Not applicable*
2. Immersion in k feet of sea water for 12 hours. Rescue
equipment must operate in this environment.
3. Applicable to untested and untreated materials only.
U. "Lateral spacecraft axes" refers to both the pitch and
yaw axes as defined for spacecraft control.
5. All shock and acceleration loads in this table are
limit loads. Satisfactory performance is required
during and/or after limit load application, whichever
is appropriate. No equipment shall tear loose from
its mount and internal parts shall be contained under
application of ultimate loads. Ultimate load is 1.36
times limit load.
3l»l' (Rlv C 5 At.G 61 )
>AGE 9
»EPORT.
MODEL .
TABLE II
"OR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE RE-ENTRY MODULE EXTERNAL TO
Launch Orbit
-6C°F to 16QOF -60°F to 160°F 200°F
15.5 to 10-12 pgia 160°F at 10-12 psia 10-1 2 to 1;
~
'HE -PRESSURIZED CABIN
Re-Entry Post-Landing
-15°F to 160°F
.5 psia 15.5 psia
>12
to 15.5 psia over N.A. (1)
to
MIL-E-5272C, U-hr. Immersion (2)
MIL-£-5272, Procedure I
MIL-E-5272C, Procedure I
MIL-E-5272C, Procedure I
I longitudinal space- I5g's in any direction 11 milli-
l along either lateral second duration.
t axis 11 ms duration (7)
See Figure 13 (7)
L spacecraft axis: I5g, lg
i duration. Lateral
t axis: U.5g» 30 seconds
R
N.A. (1)
£
N.A. (1)
V
N.A. (1)
Launch N.A. (1)
MIL-I-26600
N.A. (1)
REVISED
ENVIRQI
Equipment
Life
^ Phase Pi
Environnent
Ambient Temperature 20°F to 160C
Ambient Pressure 15.5 psia
Temperature-Pressure N.A. (1)
Relative Humidity 1# to 100*
Rain MIL-E-5272CJ
Salt Sea Atmosphere MIL-S-5272C,
Sand and Dust MIL-E-5272C,
Fungus (2)
Explosive Atmosphere Hydrogen Ata
Shock (3) (U) (5) N.A.
Acceleration (3) (U) (6) N.A.
Vibration
Category A (Figure 6) (7) Protected
Category B (Figure 7) (8) Protected
Random (Figure 8 ) Protected
Acoustic Noise (9) Protected
TABLE III
Launch Launch
-60°F to 160°F
15.5 to 10"12 psia
160°F et 15.5 to 10'12 psia
15* to 100*
Procedure II N.A.
Procedure I N.A.
Procedure I N.A.
Procedure I N.A.
sphere (10) N.A.
N.A.
Longitudinal Spacecraft Axis;
l.g to 7.25g linearly with tJ
over 326 sec.
Curve I
Curve I
CUTTC I
155 db Over-all
See Figure 11
MIUT-26600
-60°F to 160°F
10"12 psia
160°F at 10"12 psia
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
N.A.
Og
h
e £
V
Curve II
Curve II
Curve II
N.A.
MIL-I-26600
J
MODOJVJVfJLJL
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 29
REVISED REPORT. 8638
EQUIPMENT CATEGORY A
.00001
FREQUENCY (CPS)
Figure 6
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 30
REVISED REPORT. 8638
REVISED MODEL . Gemini
i.o
TO 5 CPS
.10
CURVE
.— — CURVE II
CURVE III
.01
u
•"'
\
.0001 \—V
.00001
10 50 100 500 1000 5000
FREQUENCY (CPS)
Figure 7
MCDONNELL.
DATE 6 June 1969 r. LOUIS, MISSOURI 31
REVISED 8638
REVISED MODEL
Z
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tt O
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Figure 8
DATE 6 June 1962_ ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 32
REVISED REPORT. 8638
REVISED MODEL . Gemini
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Figure 9
MGDO/VJVjE
DATE A Jnne 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
8638
REVISED MODEL
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Figure 10
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 3il
tt
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idu
Figure 11
OOliriDDNTLIL >»
MGOOJVJV£
6 June 196 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
REVISED REPORT.
REVISED MODEL .
So
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Figure 12
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 36
REVISED REPORT. 8638
REVISED MODEL . Gemini
. .—
< 86
Figure 13
MODOJVAUE
DATE 6 June 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE 37
REVISED 11 .Tnly 1962 8638
APPENDIX I
EQUIPMENT LIST .
APPENDIX I (Continued)
EQUIPMENT LIST
APPENDIX II
CHANGE LIST •
Section 1
Changes Incorporated in 11 July 1962 Revision
References: A. NASA-M.A.C. Houston Co-ordination Conference - 25-27 April 1962
Paragraph Changes
Title Page Changed "Subsystem Specification" to "System
Specification". (Reference A)
N
Page ii and iii Added pages i through vi; revised Table of E
Contents to reflect present format; added W
Appendices I and II.
*
Page iv Added Figures 2 through 13.
APPENDIX II (Continued)
CHANGE LIST
Paragraph Changes
APPENDIX II (Continued)
CHANGE LIST
Paragraph Changes
REVISED . MODEL .
Section 2
Paragraph Changes
Section 2 - (Continued)
Paragraph Changes
3-5.2.1
3.5.2.2.2 Updated content and renumbered from
paragraph 3-5«2.2
3.5-5
3.5.6
ADDENDUM A N
£
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - SPACECRAFT NO. 1 W
DATE _J November 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE -12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Title Page
TITLE PAGE
Al GENERAL 11*
11.1 Scope Al*
A3 DESCRIPTION A6
A3.1 General A6
A3. 1.1 Power Source A6
A3. 1.2 AC Power A6
A3. 1.3 Wiring and Connectors A6
A3. 2 Power Distribution A6
A3. 2.1 Main Bus Subsystem A6
A3. 2. 2 Isolated Bus Subsystem A6
A3 .3 System Monitoring A6
A3. 3.1 Visual Indicators A6
A3. 3. 1.1 Ammeter A?
A3. 3- 1.2 Voltmeter A7
A3. 3. 2 Switches A7
A3.3.2.1 Main Battery Switch. A7
A3. 3. 2. 2 Squib Battery Switch A?
A3.3.2.3 Voltmeter Selector Switch A?
13.1* Circuit Protection A?
A3. 5 Components A?
13.5-1 Batteries A?
A3.5.2 Batteries A7
A3. 5. 2.1 Main Silver-Zinc Batteries A7
A3.5.2.2 Squib Batteries A8
A3. $.3 Relays A8
13.5.1* Switches A8
13.5.1*.! Toggle Switches A8
A3. 5.1*. 2 Rotary Switches A8
13.5-1*«3 Limit Switches A8
13.5.1*.!* Telelight/Switches A8
A3.5.5 External Power Connections A9
A3.5.6 Connectors A9
A3. 5. 7 Circuit Breakers A9
A3. 6 Fabrication A9
A3. 7 Installation A9
MGDOJVJVJE
DATE _J November 1962 ST. LOUIS. MISSOURI PAGE A3
REVISED 8636 - Add. A
REVISED MODEL flonri r><
Al GENERA!
Al.l SCOPE.- Addendum A, which is the same as the basic specification
except as specified, defines the technical requirements for design,
development and testing of the Electrical System for Spacecraft No. 1 of Project
Gemini to be constructed by McDonnell Aircraft Corporation under Contract NAS
9-170 for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This document
is not to be construed as, or used for ai inspection guide.
A2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
A2.1 GENERAL.- Sane as basic specification.
A2.2 DOCUMENTS.- Same as basic specification.
A2.2.1 MCDONNELL DOCUMENTS.- The following McDonnell documents are
applicable to this addendum insofar as their content concerns the
system described herein:
Report 8357 "Gemini Spacecraft Applicable
Documents"
Report 8518 "Electrical and E3e ctronic Equipment
Design Requirements for Model 133P"
Report 8080-3 "Project Gemini Reliability Plan"
Report 8580-5 "Project Gemini Test Plai"
Report 8580-7 "Quality Assurance Provisions (Plan)
for Project Gemini Space System"
Report 8580-8 "Model 133P Gemini Program
Documentation Plan"
Report 8610 "Gemini Spacecraft Environmental
Criteria Specification
Report 8611 "Gemini Spacecraft Performance
Spe ci f ica ti on"
Drawing 52-79702 Battery, Storage
Drawing 52-79703 Relays, Control and Power
Drawing 52-79701* Relays, Electronic Time Delay
MCDONNELL
DATE _J« November 1962 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI PAGE
A3 DESCRIPTION
A3.1 GENERAL.- The function of the Gemini spacecraft electrical system
is to supply and distribute electrical power of the proper voltage
to all spacecraft devices requiring electrical power for operation, with a
minimum of interference between the various subsystems and devices.
A3.1.1 POWER SOURCE.- The electrical system is a 2-wire, grounded system
utilizing silver-zinc batteries as sources of DC power. The
batteries shall be located in the re-entry module of the spacecraft, outside
the pressurized area.
A3.1.2 AC POWER.- Devices utilizing AC power are supplied by self-
contained inverters within the individual subsystems. These in-
verters are not considered a part of the electrical system, but are treated as
inherent elements of the subsystem which they serve.
A3.1.3 WIRING AND CONNECTORS.- For purposes of this specification, the
wiring and connectors which interconnect components of systems N
other than the electrical system are considered a part of the electrical system E
and shall meet all applicable requirements specified herein.
A3.2 POWER DISTRIBUTION.- DC power distribution to the utilizing systems
is accomplished through a main bus subsystem and an isolated bus
subsystem, each of which is independent of the other.
A3.2.1 MAIN BUS SUBSYSTEM.- The main bus subsystem consists of a main
bus energized by four silver-zinc batteries.
A3.2.2 ISOLATED BUS SUBSYSTEM.- The isolated bus subsystem consists of
two squib buses and a control bus energized by three isolated
silver-zinc batteries throughout the mission. The functions of this subsystem
are to supply power to the pyrotechnic ignition devices through redundant,
isolated, parallel circuits from power source to igniter and to supply power
to solenoids and control relays. The control bus is energized by both squib
buses and a separate battery, but isolated from each by diodes. In the interest
of launch site, and in-flight safety, provisions are incorporated for disarming
the pyrotechnic circuits. Redundant pyrotechnic control is provided.
A3.3 SYSTEM MONITORING.- Provisions are incorporated on the instrument
panel for monitoring the power sources. Monitoring of the system
will be followed throughout the mission by camera and recorders.
A3.3.1 VISUAL INDICATORS.- Visual indications of electrical system events,
conditions, outputs and malfunctions are provided, consisting of
warning and indicator lights and single and multiple reading meters.
DATE November 1962 ST. LOUIS. MISSOURI PAGE
A3.5 COMPONENTS
A3.5.1 REQUIREMENTS.- The general design requirements for electrical
equipment used in the Gemini spacecraft are set forth in McDonnell
Report 8518.
A3.5.2 BATTERIES
A3.5.2.1 MAIN SILVER-ZINC BATTERIES.- Four UO.O ampere-hour 16 cell
main batteries of the silver-zinc type are provided. Open circuit
potential of these batteries is 29.6 volts maximum, with a plateau voltage of
approximately 25.3 volts. Each battery is activated and sealed at sea level
pressure. Battery cases are vented to permit escape of gases and are provided
with suitable pressure relief valves. Cases are designed and constructed to
withstand an interior-to-exterior differential pressure equal to 1.5 times the
maximum relief pressure setting without permanent deformation or deformation
adversely affecting battery operation. Venting provisions are designed to pre-
clude electrolyte loss. The vent fitting and electrical connector are mounted
A3.5.U SWITCHES N
E
A3.5.1ul TOGGLE SWITCHES.- Toggle switches used in the spacecraft W
are sealed so as not to constitute a fire or explosion hazard, and
are constructed to withstand mechanical stresses imposed during the mission.
A3.5.U.2 ROTARY SWITCHES.- The rotary switches used in the spacecraft in-
corporate housings which completely enclose the switching
mechanism. The switches are sealed so as not to constitute a fire or explosion
hazard. All terminals are solder-type, located on the back of the housing. A
positive detent mechanism is provided, and contact arrangement is permanently
marked on the switch housing. Switches are constructed to withstand temperature,
pressure, and acceleration variables encountered during the course of the
mission.
A3 •£•!*.3 LIMIT SWITCHES.- Limit switches used in the spacecraft are sealed
to eliminate fire or explosion hazards in an oxygen atmosphere as
encountered in the pressurized cabin of the spacecraft. The limit switches are
capable of functioning under pressure values and extreme temperature variations
as dictated by the mission.
AU ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
AS QUALITY ASSURANCE
A9 DEFINITIONS