Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Riblet, H. B..
Program objectives, components and subsystems operations of the Small Astronomy Satellite-3 are briefly described. A control system description is given covering the attitude control, the attitude detection system, the telemetry system, the command system, the power system and thermal control. Launch operations and in-orbit operations are also touched upon.
The Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) program sponsored by NASA provides for a series of satellites that can be used for various astronomy experiments. The SAS-A mission is to map the X-ray sources in the entire sky. In addition, discrete X-ray sources are being observed for intensity fluctuations in the range from 1 to 20 keV. The structure design, power system, attitude control and detection system, command system, telemetering system and the testing criteria for the spacecraft are discussed. The SAS-A was launched December 12, 1970, and has been very successful in its scientific mission.