Photoelectric sun sensing unit similar to those flown on the OSO series satellites. The OSO satellites consisted of a circular bus that rotated at 30 rpm and an upper sail-like section that carried solar cells and additional instruments. (see OSO-1; Catalogue # A19820270000). Signals from this sail-mounted sun sensor were fed to a servo-feedback mechanism to keep the upper portion instruments and solar cells pointed on the center of the sun within +/- 1 minute of arc. This device was transferred to NASM by NASA (GSFC) in 1988.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar 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
Ball Brothers Research Corp.
Manufactured for
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Other: 3 × 2 × 4 in. (7.6 × 5.1 × 10.2cm)
Materials
Aluminum, glass optics
Inventory Number
A19880233000
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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