Credit: NASA. 17,899 bytes. 371 x 158 pixels.
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| ERS - Credit: NASA. 17,899 bytes. 371 x 158 pixels. |
The Environmental Research Satellites were especially designed for piggyback launching from large primary mission vehicles. Ranging in mass from 0.7 to 45 kg, and carrying from 1 to 14 experiments, these ERS "hitch-hiker" spacecraft provided an inexpensive, flexible vehicle capable of making scientific and engineering measurements in space. A major role of the ERS satellites was to act as a test bed to determine the reliability of improved components and subsystems destined for use in later generations of spacecraft. A unique feature of the system was its capability to function without a battery. The key to this advantage was the design which permited solar cells, fastened to all exterior surfaces of the vehicle, to maintain constant exposure of about 15 percent of the sun. The ERS was a small satellite, measuring in one version only 22 cm on a side and weighing 680 g; the larger version weighed 45 kg and was a 51 cm diameter cylinder. At least 12 satellites were launched from 1962 for a variety of missions and sponsors. The 8-sided version was designated the OV-5 and became a part of a program conducted by the Air Force Office of Aerospace Research. Prime Contractor was TRW Systems Group of TRW Inc.
Radiation data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Metal-to-metal bonding experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Cold welding experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Radiation research. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).