GGSE-1
NamesGravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment-1
Mission typeTechnology
Gravity-gradient stabilization
OperatorU.S. Navy
COSPAR ID1964-001B Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.00728
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass39 kg (86 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date11 January 1964, 20:07 GMT
RocketThor Augmented Delta-Agena D
Launch siteVandenberg, Pad 75-3-5
ContractorDouglas Aircraft Company
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude902 km (560 mi)
Apogee altitude924 km (574 mi)
Inclination69.90°
Period103.30 minutes
Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment
GGSE-2 →
 
Rocket with a pair of small boosters at the side taking off
Launch of GGSE-1 satellite

The Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment (GGSE-1) was a technology satellite launched simultaneously with four other satellites (including SOLRAD 7A and POPPY 3) on 11 January 1964 by the U.S. military from Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard a Thor Augmented Delta-Agena D rocket. It demonstrated a new oscillation damping system intended for use in reconnaissance satellites.

Background

GGSE-1 was the first in a series of technology satellites that tested designs and deployment techniques later applied to the Naval Ocean Surveillance System NOSS/Whitecloud reconnaissance satellites.[2]

Spacecraft

GGSE-1 was an ovoid satellite based on a similar bus to SOLRAD 7A, with which it was launched into orbit. GGSE-1 was equipped with a passive oscillatory damping mechanism attached to the spacecraft via a 8.5 m (28 ft) rod of metal tape. The entire mechanism and rod together weighed less than 4.5 kg.

The damping mechanism, developed by General Electric, comprised a metal sphere, 12.7 cm in diameter, containing another metal sphere with a silicone damping fluid between. A small bar magnet attached to the inner sphere aligned that sphere with the Earth's magnetic field. As the satellite oscillated about its local vertical because of gravity gradient forces, the outer sphere of the damper rotated about the inner sphere, dissipating the oscillatory energy in the form of heat from the viscous drag of the fluid.

This system was more effective than the damping spring-and-weight system used on a previously launched Transit satellite in that it provided equal damping about all three axes of the satellite while the older damper provided no damping about the yaw axis and less damping of the roll axis than for pitch. The new damper also was effective immediately whereas the older technique required several weeks for the spring-mass to compress into operational position.[3]

Mission

Launched on 11 January 1964 at 20:07 GMT, along with four other spacecraft aboard a Thor Augmented Delta-Agena D,[4] (including SOLRAD 7A and POPPY 3)[5] GGSE-1 worked as hoped. Its stabilization system successfully oriented the satellite to a local vertical within 5° of accuracy and damped out oscillations within three days of orbit.[3]

Status

As of 3 February 2021, GGSE-1 is still in orbit and its position can be tracked.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Trajectory: GGSE 1 1964-001B". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "Display: GGSE 1 1964-001B". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ a b "Gravity Gradient Device Orients Satellite". Aviation Week & Space Technology. McGraw Hill Publishing Company. 24 February 1964. p. 57. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1964" (PDF). Chronology on Science, Technology, and Policy. NASA. 1965. SP-4005. Retrieved 3 February 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathon's Space Report. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  6. ^ "GGSE 1 (GGRS) - NORAD 728 - 3D Online Satellite Tracking". Retrieved 3 February 2021.
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