Oct 27 1962
From The Space Library
EXPLORER XV energetic particles satellite (S-3b) placed in orbit by Thor-Delta vehicle launched from Cape Canaveral. Initial orbital data: apogee, 10,960 mi.; perigee, 193.7 mi.; period, 315.3 min.; inclination, 18.02° to the equator; velocity at apogee, 6,015 mph; velocity at perigee, 21,598 mph. Launched to study artificial radiation belt created by U.S. high-altitude nuclear explosion in July, the 98-lb. satellite was similar to EXPLORER XII and EXPLORER XIV which successfully measured energetic particles of natural radiation belts. Although satellite achieved orbit within predicted estimated range, it was spinning on its axis about 10 times faster than the planned 10-rpm rate. Unnamed spokesman said: "We have a high spin rate. It may well be that we'll receive acceptable data from the main experiments, with some secondary experiments not able to function. . . . We won't know for certain until we have made a thorough study of data over a period of days." EXPLORER XV carried experiments on magnetic field, ion-electron, electron flux, and distribution in pitch angle of electrons; transmitter; optical attitude sensor; and solar cells, including solar-cell damage experiment. Launching marked 13th successful satellite-orbiting, by NASA-developed Delta vehicle.
Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, NASA Deputy Administrator, was among five Government career men selected for 1962 Rockefeller Public Service Awards.
AEC announced two U.S. nuclear test explosions—one in atmosphere near Johnston Island and one underground in Nevada—and a Soviet test in the atmosphere near Novaya Zemlya.
Eleven per cent of national budget is spent for research and development—more than twice the combined investment in research of industry and nonprofit institutions, New York Times reported.
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