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PROGRAM 661A TEST CODE B
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Test Code B was the second in the series of
three suborbital flight tests of the
Electro-Optical Systems' 8.9 mN, cesium ion
engine systems. A Scout vehicle launched the
payload on August 29, 1964. The launch was
designed to provide about 30 minutes above
an altitude of 370 km. After 7 minutes into
the flight, the engine was operated with ion
beam extraction. Full beam current of 94 mA
was achieved about 10 minutes later. During
the course of engine operation, an electric
field strength meter was used to infer
payload floating potential relative to
space. Spacecraft potential was about 1000 V
negative during most of the engine operation
with the filament neutralizer. The absolute
value of payload potential was about ten
times higher than anticipated, and it is
suspected that there was inadequate
neutralization of the ion beam. The contact
ion engine operated for approximately 19
minutes until spacecraft re-entry into the
atmosphere.
In addition to withstanding the
environmental rigors of space flight, the
IPS demonstrated electromagnetic
compatibility with other spacecraft
subsystems and the ability to regulate and
control a desired thrust level.
The preceding was an excerpt from:
Sovey, J. S., Rawlin, V. K., and Patterson,
M. J.: "Ion Propulsion Development
Projects in U. S.: Space Electric Rocket
Test 1 to Deep Space 1." Journal of
Propulsion and Power, Vol. 17, No. 3,
May-June 2001, pp. 517-526.
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