Evaluation of Two Radio Astronomy Explorer Spacecraft Apogee Kick Motors Tested in the Spin Mode at Simulated Altitude Conditions.

摘要

Two Thiokol Chemical Corporation TE-M-479 solid-propellant apogee rocket motors each installed in a Radio Astronomy Explorer (RAE) spacecraft shell were fired at average pressure altitudes in excess of 118,000 ft while spinning at 75 rpm. The primary objectives of the test were to: evaluate the ignition characteristics of the motor when ignited with one Pyrogen igniter, determine motor vacuum ballistic performance when pre-conditioned at 40 and 90 F, evaluate motor tailoff characteristics, and evaluate motor structural integrity and determine motor temperature-time history during and after motor operation. Secondary objectives were to measure motor thrust misalignment and thermal inputs into the RAE spacecraft resulting from motor operation. Both motors ignited satisfactorily. (Author)