Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Napoli, J..
The performance of the nickel cadmium batteries on the SATCOM in orbit, and the effects of aging and changes in temperature due to eclipses are described. A description of the battery reconditioning is presented.
The RCA Satcom space segment presently consists of two three-axis stabilized communication satellites which have been in orbit at geosynchronous altitudes for 11 and 8 months respectively. Both satellites have experienced two eclipse seasons since the beginning of operations. Neither spacecraft has exhibited any anomalous behavior that can be attributed to the effects of spacecraft charging. A brief discussion of the history, spacecraft characteristics and design techniques is presented.
A brief history of the SATCOM satellites is given. Cell design and battery operating characteristics are outlined and discussed. Graphs are presented comparing reconditioning parameters such as voltage, temperature, time and discharge.