This is a 0.1-pound thruster for controlling the attitude of the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-6). The satellite had a total of 16 thrusters. The thrusters provided spacecraft orbit adjustment and attitude corrections. The satellite was launched in 1974 into a geostationary orbit of 22,300 miles above the Pacific Ocean.
It conducted a wide range of useful experiments including broadcasting lectures on farming techniques, hygiene, safety, family planning, and occupational skills to 5,000 villages in India. With the help of its thrusters, the satellite was later shifted to other locations to conduct a teachers conference broadcast to the Appalachian region of the U.S. and long distance medical diagnoses in Alaska. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1976 by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Rocket Research Corporation, Redmond, Washington
Dimensions
Overall (cylinder): 2 1/2 in. wide x 4 in. long x 1 1/2 in. diameter (6.35 x 10.16 x 3.81cm)
Other (wire bundle): 2 ft. 6 in. long (76.2cm)
Other (nozzle): 3/16 in. diameter (0.51cm)
Materials
Thrust chamber, CRES 347 stainless steel; feed tube, Inconel 600; heat shield, CRES 304; nozzle with red rubber protective cap; propellant inlet tubes with black plastic protective wrappings on ends; six strands of wires with transpararent, orange-hue plastic insulation around them tied to ten other wire strands with gray and purple plastic insulation; these strands with electrical clips on ends and with blue plastic protective wrappings above prongs.
Inventory Number
A19761833000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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