Astronautical and Aeronautical Events of 1962 - NASA's History Office

ASTRONAUTICAL AND AERONAUTICAL EVENTS OF 1962 225
production of nine live flight stages, one inert flight stage, and
several ground-test units for the Advanced Saturn vehicle.
October SO: Oran W. Nicks, NASA Director of Lunar and Planetary
Programs, summarized results obtained from MARINER 11 scientific
experiments, at Eighth Tri-Service Conference on Electromagnetic
Compatibility in Chicago: “One of the primary scientific objec-
tives in measuring magnetic fields in interplanetary space is to
determine the magnitude and direction of the steady field com-
ponent. . . . The Mariner has indicated a typical steady
state transverse component of ten gamma or less, and it has
clearly shown how the transverse field becomes large (as high as
25 gamma) during geomagnetic storms. In addition to this, the
Mariner 2 has provided information on the steady interplanetary
field indicating that the radial component is apparently more
stable, even under storm conditions, and that there are quiet
times when the radial component from the sun is essentially
constant. . . . Measurements from the ion chamber [onboard
MARINER 111 have indicated an average radiation level as expected,
corresponding to about 1.1 milli-roentgen per hour (about 100
times the cosmic ray intensity at the surface of the earth). . . .
It has been reported by measurements [of the probe’s cosmic dust
detector] thus far that the flux of interplanetary dust particles is
at least one thousand times less in interplanetary space than in
the near vicinity of the earth. The cause of this is unknown.
. . . Preliminary data from the [solar plasma detector in the]
Mariner indicate abrupt changes in the velocity and intensity of
solar winds, and correlated effects on the magnetic fields in space.
Measurements show that the particle energies generally range
from about 750 electron volts to 2500 electron volts, although
some lasma with an energy of 3225 electron volts has been ob-
serve2 These variations almost certainly were the results of
events on the sun, but the exact nature of these events is not yet
understood. . . .
9,
0 NASA announced 19 experiments would be included on Pogo satellite
(Polar Orbiting Geophysical Observatory) to be orbited by
Thor-A ena vehicle launched from Pacific Missile Range. Pogo
wouId %. e second in Ogo (Orbiting Geophysical Observatory)
series and first Ogo in polar orbit; it was scheduled for launch in
early 1964.
October $1: Sudden drop in voltage on MARINER 11 Venus probe was
reported by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists. JPL turned off
the probe’s four interplanetary experiments to conserve on-board
power for experiments in the vicinity of Venus. Discounting
any probability of the solar cells being affected by radiation,
e erts indicated the problem could have come from faulty
vo 7l tage regulators.
ANNA IB geodetic satellite launched into orbit by Thor-Able-Star
vehicle from Cape Canaveral (apogee, 727 mi.; perigee, 670 mi.;
inclination, 50° to the equator). Mounted on the 350-lb.) 36-in.
spherical satellite were four high-intensity lights that would
flash on and off; by comparing simultaneous observations of the
satellite from various points on earth, scientists could measure
earth’s size, shape, and surface features with accuracy never