The primary objective of HEAO: C is a detailed study of high energy sources, using grazing incidence X-ray telescopes and a spacecraft pointing accuracy of + or - 1 arc minute. A principal design goal for the HEAO-C spacecraft was to maximize commonality with the spacecraft designed for Missions A and B; technical transfusion between the designs required the Phase A study to be accomplished in parallel with Phase B definition of the precursor spacecraft. Plans call for a HEAO-C launch between 1 and 1-1/2 years after the launch of HEAO-B. The HEAO-C will be launched on the Titan 3 D and placed into a 270-nautical-mile circular orbit with a 28.5 degree inclination; the Phase A baseline concept weighs under 16000 pounds, carries three grazing incidence X-ray telescopes with multiple focal plane experiments plus several supporting experiments and is designed for a two-year operational life. The HEAO-C is a candidate for early satellite retrieval with the space shuttle. (Author)
High Energy Astronomy Observatory Mission C, Phase A. Volume 1 Executive Summary
1972
117 pages
Report
No indication
English