Total pressure sensor results from the early operations phase of the MSX mission

摘要

The total pressure sensor (TPS) is one of ten contamination sensors aboard the midcourse space experiment (MSX) satellite. The TPS measures both the natural and spacecraft induced pressure environments. This paper presents a first look at the TPS data from the early operations phase of the MSX mission. Flight data are show to be in good agreement with the external contamination model predictions for MSX. TPS fluctuations are shown to be consistent with the venting characteristics of the Spirit III cryogenic cover. Data are presented which characterize and confirm the tumbling nature of the receding Spirit III cover upon its release. Finally, flight data over an orbital period are shown to conform to a bimodal pressure profile.