Solrad 10

SOLRAD 10: A Mission to Study the Sun’s X-rays

Why Study the Sun?

The Sun is a powerful source of energy, releasing radiation across many wavelengths, including UV rays and X-rays. When solar flares occur, they send bursts of high-energy radiation into space, which can disrupt radio communications on Earth and even pose risks to astronauts in space. By continuously monitoring these changes, scientists could better understand the physical processes behind solar activity and predict its impact on technology and human space missions.

The SOLRAD 10 Spacecraft

SOLRAD 10 was a spin-stabilized satellite, meaning it rotated to keep itself steady in space. Here are some key facts about its design:

• Shape & Size: A 12-sided cylindrical satellite, 76 cm in diameter and 58 cm in height.

• Mass: 118 kg.

• Power Source: Four solar panels converted sunlight into electricity.

• Spin Control: It spun at 60 revolutions per minute (rpm), and its sensors helped keep it aligned within 2 degrees of the Sun.

• Antenna System: Used a turnstile antenna to transmit data to Earth.

Scientific Instruments

SOLRAD 10 carried 14 different experiments to study the Sun’s radiation. Some of its key instruments included:

• X-ray and UV Monitors – Measured solar X-ray and UV emissions.

• Solar Flare Detectors – Tracked sudden bursts of radiation from solar flares.

• Cesium Iodide Scintillator – A special detector that captured high-energy X-rays.

• Thermistor – Monitored temperature changes on the spacecraft’s surface.

• Stellar Detector – Mapped the night sky by scanning the celestial sphere.

These instruments helped scientists understand how the Sun’s radiation varies and how it interacts with Earth’s ionosphere, the layer of the atmosphere that affects radio waves.

Mission Profile & Operations

• Launch Vehicle: Scout rocket.

• Orbit Altitude: Between 436 km and 630 km above Earth.

• Data Transmission:

  • Sent real-time data at 137.710 MHz.

  • Stored data in a 54-kilobit core memory and transmitted it to a tracking station in Maryland.

• International Collaboration: Shared data with the global scientific community through COSPAR (Committee on Space Research).

• Expected Mission Duration: 3 years.

Impact of SOLRAD 10

The data collected by SOLRAD 10 contributed to a better understanding of solar flares and space weather, which is crucial for:

• Improving radio communication – Predicting solar activity helps minimize disruptions.

• Protecting astronauts – High-energy solar radiation can be dangerous for space missions.

• Advancing future space travel – Understanding solar activity is vital for deep space missions, like those planned for Mars.

By mapping X-ray sources in space, SOLRAD 10 also helped astronomers discover new celestial objects emitting X-rays, leading to further studies in astrophysics.

Conclusion

SOLRAD 10 was a key step in understanding how the Sun’s radiation influences Earth and space. Its mission provided valuable data that continues to benefit science, communication, and space exploration today. By studying the Sun, we can better prepare for its effects on our technology and future space missions.