Prototype satellite payload built at the University of Iowa designed to provide refined data on the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts over an extended period of time measuring electron and proton fluxes. The payload illustrates manufacturing techniques and standards prevalent in about 1960 in one of the leading university space research departments. From this prototype a flight model eventually became Explorer S-46 (NASM Catalogue #A19740876000), built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This small octahedral-shaped spacecraft is equipped with solar cells on four of its faces. Explorer 46 was launched from Cape Canaveral on March 23, 1960 atop a Juno 2 vehicle. It failed to achieve orbit because the upper stage of the vehicle did not ignite. Elements of the S-46 payload have subsequently been donated to the collection by George Ludwig, the designer of the payload (NASM Catalogue numbers A20060086 - 012; 013; 014). The object was donated to NASM in March 1993 by James A. Van Allen who directed Ludwig's PhD work at Iowa.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
University of Iowa
Dimensions
3-D (L x W x H) (with wood base): 32.4 × 32.4 × 61.6cm, 5.9kg (1 ft. 3/4 in. × 1 ft. 3/4 in. × 2 ft. 1/4 in., 13lb.)
Materials
Overall - aluminum, phenolic parts, silicon panels
Inventory Number
A19940232000
Credit Line
Gift of James A. Van Allen and the University of Iowa
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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