Explorer 39 was an inflatable sphere, 3.6 m (12 ft) in diameter. It was orbited to make atmospheric density determinations. The satellite was successfully launched into a nearly polar, highly elliptical orbit. It was folded and carried into orbit, together with ejection and inflation equipment, as part of the payload of Explorer 40. Two density experiments were performed.[3]
Launch
Explorer 39 orbited the Earth once every 118.20 minutes, at an inclination of 80.60°. Its perigee was 670 km (420 mi) and apogee was 2,538 km (1,577 mi).[2]
Mission
One involved the study of systematic density variation, and the other was concerned with nonsystematic density changes. The upper atmospheric densities were derived from sequential observations of the sphere by use of an attached 136.620-MHz radio tracking beacon and by optical tracking. The radio beacon ceased transmitting in June 1971. Since that time it has been necessary to rely solely on the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Baker-Nunn camera network for tracking. Explorer 39 has an expected orbital lifetime of 50 years.[3]
Experiments
Nonsystematic Changes of Air Density
This experiment was designed to determine nonsystematic upper atmospheric density changes. The data are derived from studies of the drag on a 3.6 m (12 ft) in diameter low-density sphere caused by short-term differences in solar activity. Density values near perigee were deduced from sequential observations of the spacecraft position using optical (Baker-Nunn camera network) and radio and/or radar tracking techniques. This experiment has determined reasonable density values, and it is capable of yielding long-term atmospheric density values, as Explorer 39 has an expected orbital lifetime of 50 years.[4]
Systematic Changes of Air Density
This experiment was designed to determine systematic changes of air density as a function of altitude, latitude, and time of day, by measuring the drag on a 3.6 m (12 ft) in diameter low-density sphere with ground tracking.[5]
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated in underline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed in italics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
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