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This specification is intended to set forth the requirements for an unmanned artificial satellite, including the basic rocket. the payload, and the necessary ground and launching equipment.
It is desired that a rocket craft be designed and constructed which will rise to an altitude at which the earth's atmosphere is extremely rarefied, enter a horizontal flight path and achieve a velocity such that stable coasting motion in a nearly circular orbit around the earth will be established. The unit intended to accomplish the above mission will be referred to in this specification as the "satellite", "craft", or "vehicle".
In addition to demonstrating the possibility of establishing an artificial satellite on an orbit the experimental unit or units shQuld be equipped with instrumentation and a telemetering transmitter to send to ground stations information on properties and physical phenomena in the outer reaches of the atmosphere. Since several satellites may be sent aloft the design must be such that the instrumentation can be altered from one vehicle to the next without great difficulty.
A few command signals from the ground to the craft during the climbing trajectory will probably be necessary. Furthermore, tracking of the satellite to determine the gradual reduction in orbit altitude due to drag forces will furnish valuable information on properties of the outer atmosphere. Hence, adequate ground observing and communicating equipment will be required.
Finally, facilities for launching must be considered.
Much more to read in: PROPOSED TYPE SPECIFICATION FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL SATELLITE, Project RAND Report RA-15031, February 1, 1947
It is desired that a rocket craft be designed and constructed which will rise to an altitude at which the earth's atmosphere is extremely rarefied, enter a horizontal flight path and achieve a velocity such that stable coasting motion in a nearly circular orbit around the earth will be established. The unit intended to accomplish the above mission will be referred to in this specification as the "satellite", "craft", or "vehicle".
In addition to demonstrating the possibility of establishing an artificial satellite on an orbit the experimental unit or units shQuld be equipped with instrumentation and a telemetering transmitter to send to ground stations information on properties and physical phenomena in the outer reaches of the atmosphere. Since several satellites may be sent aloft the design must be such that the instrumentation can be altered from one vehicle to the next without great difficulty.
A few command signals from the ground to the craft during the climbing trajectory will probably be necessary. Furthermore, tracking of the satellite to determine the gradual reduction in orbit altitude due to drag forces will furnish valuable information on properties of the outer atmosphere. Hence, adequate ground observing and communicating equipment will be required.
Finally, facilities for launching must be considered.
Much more to read in: PROPOSED TYPE SPECIFICATION FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL SATELLITE, Project RAND Report RA-15031, February 1, 1947
