Gemini 4 Press Kit - heroicrelics Mirror

- 50 -Electrostatic ChargeENGINE;EXING EXPERUVIENTSUDp-Sctive IS to detect and measure any accumulatedelectrostatic charge on the surface of the Gemini spacecraft.Natural charging mechanisms and charged particles ejectedfrom rocket engines cah cause an electrostatic potential,and this must be investigated before rendezvous and dockingmissions are attempted.Differences in potential between docking space vehiclescan cause an electrical discharge which could damage thevehicle skin and electronic equipment and ignite pyrotechnicsaboard the spacecraft. If the spacecraft potential andcapacitance is known, it will be possible to calculate thenet charge on the spacecraft and the energy available foran electrical discharge between the spacecraft and anotherspace vehicle of known potential.Any accumulated charge on the surface of the Gemini 4 space-craft will be measured by an electrostatic potential meter.Theexperiment will be conducted during all periods of extensivespacecraft attitude maneuvering and during retrofire.Dataobtained will be telemetered to ground stations.- more -