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Testing of a communications satellite

97-722
Accession Number
97-722
8x10 inches (21x26 cm)
Black & White
Printer-Friendly Version
NAID 350900964
Related Collection
Webb, James E. Papers
Keywords
Space sciences
HST Keywords
National Aeronautics And Space Administration; Langley Research Center - Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; Satellite - Communications; Virginia, Langley Air Force Base
Rights

Public Domain - This item is in the public domain and can be used freely without further permission.

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Credit:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.

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Description
Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center complete the first inflation tests of a 135-foot rigidized, inflatable sphere in connection with the Echo II passive communications satellite program. The purpose of the test, which was conducted in the same dirigible hangar at Weeksville, North Carolina, where the 100-foot Echo I sphere was tested some months ago before it was launched into orbit, was to verify the structural strength of the newly designed sphere. The balloon was equipped with strain gauges and thermometers during the trial of inflation to destruction. Made of three-ply laminate, the sphere skin consists of two layers of .00017" aluminum foil with a layer cemented to each side of a .00035" Mylar plastic film. When folded and packed, the 500-pound sphere fits into a 40-inch metal container.
Date(s)
ca.
1960