AbstractThe in-orbit certification of Cactus showed its sensitivity to be higher than expected. The accuracy of the acceleration measurement depends on internal and external parameters whose magnitudes vary with altitude. Upon completion of the certification stage, the sphere charge phenomenon was confirmed as well as the necessity to connect periodically the sphere to the chassis. A study of the threshold shows an interesting pattern of variation marked with no charge periods. A better understanding into this threshold can be gained by mathematical analyses, and further experiments were made at apogee to distinguish external forces from internal forces. The use of command signals for “reduced gain” and “sphere grounding” experiments enables the accelerometer electronic system to be checked for correct operation. The satisfactory behavior of Cactus certifies it for application onboard (drag-free as well as scientific spacecraft).
In orbit performance of the Cactus accelerometer (D5B spacecraft)
Acta Astronautica ; 4 , 9-10 ; 1085-1102
1977-02-17
18 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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