NASAAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PUBLICATION OF THE Page 1

(E:"'10-62) NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 1

SSY0
THE EXPLORER SATELLITES r< 2-

Explorer XIV, an 89-pound scientific satellite, travels in a highly eccentric orbit ranging from 175
miles at perigee to 61,000 miles at apogee to observe "space weather." Explorer XV is identical
in outward appearances.

~ "SPACE WEATHER" INVESTIGATORS
NASA's Explorer XIV was sent into orbit on
October 2, and Explorer XV on October 27, to
unravel some of the scientific mysteries of how
"space weather" affects man's daily life and his
future exploration of space.
The satellites, weighing 89 and 98 pounds,
respectively, were launched from Cape Canaveral,
Fla., by Delta rockets. These were the 12th and
13th straight successful launchers for the Delta,
continuing its unprecedented record
rocketry.
Explorer XIV was launched at an inclination
angle of 33 degrees from the equator.
eccentric orbit takes the satellite out 61,000
miles (apogee) and brings it back to 175 miles
(perigee) from the earth each 36.1 hours. (See
diagram , page 2.) This orbital period makes the
spacecraft visible for approximately 13 hours a
day at stations on the apogee side of the earth.
EXPLORER SATELLITES
The Explorers are geophysical satellites and probes of
various configurations developed to study the space en-
viro~ment and upper atmosphere surrounding the earth,
including such phenomena as radiation fields, cosmic rays,
for U.S. micrometeoroids, temperature, magnetic field, 50lnr radi-
ation, ionospheric studies, air density, solar plasma and
gamma rays. Investigations at greater distances would
be u"dertaken by other devices, such as Pioneer.
A highly
 NASA FACTS format is designed for bulletin-board display NASA FACTS will be mailed only to addressees who request
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Page 2 NASA FACTS (E-l0-62)

Explorer XV, in a smaller orbit, with an apogee
of 10,950 miles and a perigee of 195 miles,
circles the earth in 5 and one-quarter hours. This
satellite entered into orbit with a problem; it was
spinning too fast. A deliberate "spin-up," im-
parted to keep it aimed accurately during the
journey to orbital altitude (like the spin of a rifle
bullet which has a similar purpose) should have
slowed it down and did not. The mechanism for
this slowing process is a set of small weights, de-
signed to spring out from the sides, with an effect
similar to that achieved by a spinning ice skater
when he extends his arms to slow down. The
weight system did not function, with the result
that Explorer XV went into orbit spinning at least
10 times too fast .
This has created problems with the interpreta-
tion of results from two of the seven experiments,
but the transmissions are adequate for accom-
plishment of Explorer XV's miss i on, which is to
investigate radiation belts created by high alti-
tude nuclear testing by both the U .S. and Russia.
(This artificial radiation, the scientists point
out, is not, strictly speaking, "space weather,"

The Explorer XIV space weather satellite is oriented in orbit to permit gathering data both within and outside of the mag·
netosphere . Successive positions relative to the sun are shown, counterclockwise .. __
" "
ORBIT OF EXPLORER XIV / // /
/ I
/ I
t C~
\ ;'
\, __ // 3. 6 MONTHS AFTER
LAUNCH

4. ABOUT 1 YEAR
AFTER LAUNCH
-- -- -- ,
"-
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,.- ----
£_..;..--1~
/ --l'
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.--- ~
--- - --
\ /
/ \.
./ .....

2. 4 MONTHS AFTER
LAUNCH

ORBITAL PATH

EARTH~ 1. LAUNCHED
I I
OCT. 2, 1962
/
MAGNETOSPHERE I /
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NASA FACTS (E- 10-62) Page 3

since the belts are results of man's experiments,
but the conditions are similar to those which are
explored by other space weather satellites.)
ENERGETIC PARTICLES
The Explorer Satellites' sensitive electronic
instruments seek more knowledge for man about
electrons and protons, the sub-atomic particles
that are the minute building blocks of all matter.
These so-called energetic particles play lead-
ing roles in the phenomena of "space weather"
which must be better understood if man and his
instruments are to journey safely into space.
Many of these particles possess very high
energies and travel at nearly the speed of light.
They are responsible for some of the spectacular
and intriguing space phenomena that we observe
on earth: Disturbances in the reflective sky layer
known as the ionosphere which disrupt com-
munications throughout the world; creation of the
starting Iy beautiful display of.. auroras, observed
last year as far south as Washington, D.C.
Possibly they have a role in modifying the earth's
weather.
Infinitesimal as they are, the particles can
harm man and da mage instruments he uses to
explore space . An understanding of their life
histories can advance such national objectives as
manned space flight, and the use of space for
foreseeable practical benefits as communications,
weather forecasting and navigation.
Just as we seek to learn the scientific causes
of hurricanes and t ornadoes -how they are cre-
ated, how they live and how they die-we seek
to fathom the mysteries of storms in space.

The Van Allen belts, here illustrated , are within and are part of the magnetosphe re . (See d iagram on pag e 2 for out-
line of the magnetosphere .) Scientists postulate that the Van Allen belts and the whole magnetosphere of which they
are a part, constitute a reservior in which solar flare energy can be stored in the form of trapped particles, for a con-
siderable time, until some subsequent solar event disturbs the magnetic field and d islodges particles from the Van Allen
belts as apples are shaken from a tree . When the particles are dislodged, they desce nd through the horns of the Van
Allen zone (see above), transferring their kinetic energy to the atmosphere by ion izing coll isions. Th is is probably the
cause of the aurora .
Page 4
Vanguard "' gave one of the first measurements, from
space, of the earth ' s magnetic field .
Where Explorer XV takes readings relatively
close to the earth, studying the artificial radia-
tion belts created by man made high altitude
nuclear explosions, the principal mission of Ex-
plorer XIV is to determine the particle population
and energies in the magnetosphere and the re-
gions of interplanetary space beyond.
know the sun is the principal villain, or hero, as
the case may be. The phenomena themselves
comprise one of the biggest mysteries in the
history of mankind.
THE MAGNETOSPHERE
The magnetosphere begins several hundred
miles out in space and extends for thousands of
miles. This in itself is a mystery. In this re-
gion are the natural Van Allen radiation belts
discovered by Explorer I in 1958.
NASA FACTS (E-l 0-62)
c
We have swiftly gained knowledge of this
region thw.ugh the satellites which followed the
pioneeri ng work of Explorer I. But like all great
discover ies, each new satellite posed more un-
answered scientific questions.
Explorer I told us that there were energetic
partic les trapped above the earth and that the
earth 's magnetic field probably acts as a storage
bin for these bits of matter that spiral around
the earth's magnetic force lines . But it remains
for other satellites to look for the answers to the
intriguing riddles of how many particles of a
certain energy range are in a particular area of
space. It undoubtedly will take several years,
before we come anywhere near an understanding
of the processes involved.
As an example: It was thought from early
satellite experiments that the Van Allen radiation
consisted of two distinct belts-one primarily of
electrons and the other of protons . As with
many scientific theories, this was shattered by
hard investigative facts. Explorer XII deter-
mined that there was no such distinction; rather
that the magnetosphere is one big trapping re-
gion with particles in various areas having dif-
ferent characteristics.
Instruments on spacecraft that preceded Ex-
plore r XII could possibly have detected this
discrepancy had they been finely tuned for such
a definite investigation. But changing solar
activity may be the basic cause of the discrep-
ancy . Perhaps the particle population and
We
energies change with the variations of the sun's
own "weather," again an unknown.
Almost the same holds true for magnetic field
measurements by satellites, which are enabling
us to learn more about the earth ' s interi or by
probing with instruments that have left this planet
than by earth-bound activity. Vanguard III gave
one of the first measurements of the earth's mag-
netic field from space. Pioneer V and Explorer
X detected the area in space where the earth's
magnetic field leveled off and the interplanetary
magnetic field assumed command. And Explorer
 NASA FACTS (E- 10-62) Page 5

XII more accurately pin-pointed the precise area

and also provided the dividend of indication that
there may be a turbulent transition region between
the earth and the interplanetary fields.
Another piece in the space phenomena puzzle
IS concerned with a theory that has intrigued
scientists since 1830. It was then postulated
that there was a ring current, * separate from
the earth at some unknown position in space.
At first, data from Explorer VI indicated that this
current had been detected. However, further
analysis made this dubious. But, this thread of
evidence whetted scientific appetites. Succeed-
ing satellites, Pioneer V, Explorer X, Explorer XII
investigated this area, but with little success, ac-
cording to data analyzed to date . Explorer XIV
may shed light on this space mystery.
These unknowns may be partially solved but
no one expects a complete answer, except

• Ring current: A current of charged particles flowing in a ring around

the earth, ar other bady .

Pioneer V (and other satellites) found a spectrum of en-

ergy from the speed of light on down .

When a solar d isturbance occurs, a huge tongue of magnetic field lines is formed, and these lines, in effect, constitute a
"magnetic bottle."

PROPAGATION OF SOLAR DISTURBANCES

FROM SUN TO EARTH

SUN

SOLAR PROTONS--'<-<"

•
Page 6
through the cumulative efforts of future space-
craft designed specifically to monitor the sun,
the ionosphere, and how energetic particles-
particularly the dangerous solar protons -tra-
verse the 93 million miles from the sun to earth .
One such satellite to be launched next year
will explore interplanetary space between earth
and the moon, recording these proton events.
Assessing the destructive capability of these par-
ticles is mandatory for support of the manned
lunar exploration program.
Still another series of satellites, Orbiting
Solar Observatories, or OSO (NASA FACTS
B-62), will continue to monitor the sun to learn
the processes involved in sending out these dan-
gerous radiations. From this program alone
could come a system for predicting when the sun
is likely to emit radiations dangerous to man.
Explorer VI suggested the possibility of a ring current of magnetism.
NASA FACTS (E-l0-62) o
As weather forecasts today indicate safe flying
I
I
weather, so could such a solar flare forecasting I
system indicate safe space "flying weather . "
Instruments on Explorer XIV will not measure
precisely the artificial radiation belts caused by
the United States and Russian high altitude
nuclear detonations because they were designed
and built prior to its creation. However, Ex-
plorer XIV should give world scientists a more
complete picture of the changes induced by the
lessened solar activity predicted for this year, or
by effects of the nuclear explosion, in the natural
radiation zones .
Importantly, Ex plorer XIV carries a solar cell
exper i ment to determine the effect of both the
natural and artificial radiation on satellite power
sources . These cells convert about 15 percent
of the sun ' s energy into usable electricity.
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Explorer X helped to pinpoint the area where the earth's magnetic field levels off and the interplanetary magnetic
field tokes command .
Explorer XV, using the spare flight unit of
Explorer XIV, but with different instrumentation
for measuring the particular artificial radiation
belt particles, seeks to determine how the belt
is decaying with time, assess the effects of the
belt on future satellites, and give the scientific
community additional basic information on the
artificially created environment.
It is known that man and instruments can
safely traverse both the artificial and natural
radiation regions if there is adequate shielding.
However, because of the effect of the radiation,
the lifetime of Explorer XIV may vary from a
month to a year. The spacecraft's highly ellip-
l?a~
tical orbit will keep it farther out in space most
of the time, away from the degrading effects of
the radiation. Explorer XV, which is specifically
designed to remain in the artificial radiation
zone, has solar cells coated with 60-mil-thick
glass. (A mil is .001 inch.) In contrast, Ex-
plorer XIV, like Explorer X", moving quickly
through the zones, has a 6-mil-thick coating .
Although solution of the mystery of the char-
acteristics of space radiation will take many more
years and many more satellites, before scientists
have precise understanding of the phenomena,
a general picture has emerged.
It is now believed that when an eruption occurs
 Page 8 NASA FACTS (E-) 0-62)

ARTIFICIAL
RADIATION

- - - - - - V A N ALLEN

Explorer XV was sent into an orbit ranging from a perigee of 10,950 mil es, to tran sm it data f rom the art ificial
radiation belt.

on the sun, a huge tongue of magnetic field lines, *
with their roots remaining on the sun, reaches
out into space -someti mes towards earth, but
also in many other directions.
According to one hypothesis, the Explorer XIV
spacecraft should provide more understanding of
these lines which, in effect, form
"bottle." Cosmic rays from outer space-also
possessing very high energies-apparently are
excluded from the bottle, with the " wind" or
plasma, erupting from the sun being confined to
the area within.
• Magnetic field lines . Imaginary l ines starti ng an a positive pole and
ending at a negative pole .
This plasma , t he fourth sta t e of matter-
neither sol id, Ii qu i d nor gas - is composed of
low energy charged particles . Known rules of
physics, sugges t that the plasma , in turn, sets up
another magnetic field that moves along with it.
It is believed that higher energy particles spiral
a magnetic around the bottle , just as magnetosphere par-
ticles sp i ral around the earth, and are carried
along by the magnetic field lines.
But i t remains unclear, and is subject to sci-
entific debate, whether these particles start out
with high energies or whether they acquire most
of this energy by being accelerated to high
velocities when they are pushed along by the
NASA FACTS (E-l0-62)
magnetic field. One thing is known:
these particles reached such spacecraft as Ex-
plorer XII, Explorer X and Pioneer V, there was
a spectrum of energy from the speed of light on
down.
It is believed that this solar tongue continues
to expand, as an onrushing tide, and eventually
envelops the earth ' s magnetosphere, distorting
it. Some scientists th ink that the magnetosphere
is compressed toward the earth on the sunlit side,
but on the opposite side of the earth assumes
cone-like shape which extends out to
thousands of miles .
Explorer XIV, taking over where Explorer XII
left off, reports data leading to a better under-
tanding of these phenomena . In addition,
geoprobes wi II have to be sent out even greater
distances in space to provide more conclusive
Explorer XII is shown with technicians, illustrating its size . Explorers XIV and XV are the same size .
Page 9
When evidence of the extent of these boundaries, if in
effect, they can be proved.
Much of the success of Explorer XIV depends
on the tricky task of correctly aligning the space-
craft with respect to the sun when placed into
orbit. Th i s critica l positioning in space perhaps
con be visualized by thinking of the earth
revolving around the sun each 365 days.
Next, imagine the magnetosphere enveloping
the earth in a shape like an ice cream cone-
the ice cream top compressed close to the earth's
many surface on the sunlit side, and tape ri ng off cone-
like on the side away from the sun . (See dia-
gram, page 2.)
Then visualize the highly ellipt ical orbit of the
spacecraft, inclined about 75 degrees from the
sun when first injected into orbit. The angle
toward the sun becomes higher each month. As
r- - -- - - - -.-_.- --- -.- - - - - - --
, Page 10
Note the similarity of Explorer XIV in this illustration to Explorer XII on page 9 .
satellites in this series have used flight units of the same type, with differing instrumentation .
the angle to the sun increases, the satellite-
orbiting the earth as the earth orbits the sun-
probes various areas of the magnetosphere.
After six months, the satellite is completely en-
veloped by it, but at other times it is in inter-
planetary space beyond, constantly plotting the
boundaries and quantities of the particles.
The Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt,
Md., has been assigned project management
responsibility for the Explorers.
For Explorer XIV, the project consists essen-
tially of the following: A cosmic ray experiment,
an ion-electron detector experiment and a solar
NASA FACTS (E-10-62)
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Beginning with Explorer XII the
MARINER II
New data and refined calculations relating to the tra-
jectory of Mariner II, the spacecraft launched towards the
vicinity of Venus, resulted in a new estimate for altitude
of "fly-by" as compared with the figure given in NASA
FACTS 0-62. Earlier calculations had indicated fly-by at
about 10,000 miles.
The new measurements added up to a "probable miss
distance" of 20,900 miles plus or minus 3,000 miles, indi-
cating approach might be to a point as near as 17,900
miles from the surface of Venus, or as far away as 23,900
miles. This predicted range was considered satisfactory;
the spacecraft's instruments were designed to function
at any distance up to 35,000 miles.
 NASA FACTS (E-1 0-62) Page 11

PAYLOAD
SOLID PROPELLANT
ENGINE

LIQUID
ENGINE

FIRST STAGE
(THOR BOOSTER)

EXPLORER XIV-DELTA VEHICLE

• The Delta launch vehicle consists of a booster plus two upper stages as illustrated in this cutaway.

cell by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center; a THE DELTA LAUNCH VEHICLE
proton analyzer experiment by NASA's Ames The launch vehicle for Explorer XIV was a
Research Center; a trapped particle radiation Delta, a three-stage rocket developed by NASA
experiment by the State University of New which has performed flawlessly in the last twelve
Hampshire. A Goddard photocell optical sensing of its thirteen launch attempts. Delta is nine
system furnishes information on the satellite's stories high and weighs 57 tons.
orientation in space.
The vehicle's first stage is a 60-foot modifica-
For Explorer XV, the University of California
tion of the Air Force-developed Thor (SM-75)
at San Diego prepared an experiment to measure
and generates 170,000 pounds of thrust during
electron flux. A simi lar experiment was fur-
the 2 and one-half minutes its 50 tons of pro-
nished by the Bell Telephone laboratories (BTL)
pellan t burn.
and Goddard. University of California and BTL
also contributed experiments to determine the The second stage is 17 feet tall and weighs

distribution in pitch angle of the electrons. The a little more than two and one-half tons. It is
University of New Hampshire provided a magne- powered by a liquid engine which develops
tometer. Goddard has an ion-electron experi- 7,500 pounds of thrust and burns slightly less
ment, and an opticol aspect sensor to determine than 2 minutes.
the satellite's orientation to the sun . BTL sup- Delta's one-half ton, solid-propellant third
plied a solar cell damage experiment. stage is 5 feet high and uses an ABl 248 en-
1 - -- - ---~-- - ------ -- - - -- - - - - - - - -- - -- . - - - - - - - - --~~~- --- ---- - - - - - - - - -- --- - - 1
I Page 12 NASA FACTS (E-1 0-62) :

i gine with a thrust of 3 ,000 pounds. Its burning I

! ti'me is 40 seconds .
I For a min ute and a half after Iift-off, Delta
is gu ided by its Thor autopilot.After burn-out of
I the Thor booster, the radio guidance system
makes refined ve locity and steering corrections
as needed . Shortly after first stage burn-out
separation , and afte r ignition of the second stage,
the fairing-covering the third stage and the
payload -is jettisoned.
Second sta-ge burning ends about 4 and one-
half minutes after lift-off. The vehicle, with
second and third stages still attached is now at
an altitude of about 1 25 miles . At this point
a 6 minute coasting period occurs. During this
period , guidance is provided by a 42-pound
flight contro .1 system contained in the second
stage. The satell ite and the third stage are spin
stab ilized by small rockets mounted on a " spin
table " between the second and third stages.
At the end of the coast period-about 10
minutes afte r launch-the second stage separates
and third stage ign it ion occurs. Soon the re-
I
quired o ,' bital ve locity of about 19,000 miles
per hour is reached a nd the satellite, trailed by
the third stage, is injected into orbit.
J
A De lta veh ic le lau nc hed Explorer XIV on October 2,
1962 . Explorer XV ' s launch on October 27 was similar.

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