Electron (satellite)

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Elektron was the name of a series of four Soviet research satellites used to measure the Van Allen Belt .

They were always launched in pairs with a Vostok rocket , whereby the first satellite was launched during the propulsion phase (before the kick stage was ignited ), the second when the rocket burned out. In this way, the two satellites reached two strongly elliptical orbits of different heights, so that measurements in the inner and outer radiation belt could be carried out simultaneously.

history

The Elektron satellites were among the first research satellites in Soviet space travel. Their development started in July 1960. Electron 1 and 2 were started on January 30, 1964, and Elektron 3 and 4 followed on July 10, 1964.

technology

The two satellites in a pair differ both in appearance and in their measuring equipment.

Electron 1 and 3 were cylindrical satellites with a diameter of 325 mm and a mass of 350 kg. They were equipped with six solar cell paddles and measuring devices (including a spectrometer ) for cosmic and X-ray radiation , high-energy particles and protons , as well as a micrometeorite detector. Its orbit had an inclination of about 61 ° and varied between 400 and 7000 km ( apogee - perigee ) altitude.

Electron 2 and 4 were cone-shaped satellites with a diameter of 400 mm and 850 mm in height. They had solar cells on the outside and a mass of 445 kg. The satellites were equipped with measuring devices for cosmic rays and high-energy particles. Its orbit had an incline of about 61 ° and varied between 450 and over 65,000 km altitude.

All satellites also had antennas and electronics for measuring radio radiation in the wavelength range of 200 or 400 m and for transmitting the data obtained to earth.

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