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NASA An Educational Services Publication of the

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA FACTS VOL III, NO.7

ORBITING SOLAR OBSERVATORY

The Orbiting Solar Observatory (050 I) spacecraft. The 440-pound observatory travels in a near-circular orbit around
earth and completes each trip in 96 minutes. What appear to be tiny window panes in the upper section of the craft
are solar cells which convert sunlight to electricity to power the spacecraft.

Since man began to think and record his
knowledge for the benefit of others, he has
learned a great deal about the sun. But, despite
his efforts to obtain accurate information about
the sun and its radiant effects upon our earth,
man has been greatly hampered in his observa-
tions by the filtering effects of the blanket of air
which protects him from the direct rays of the
sun. We have had to rely, until recent years,
on the telescopic observations from below the
,Page 2 NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO. 7
Scientists estimate that it would have taken
THE SUN 12,000 sounding rockets, operating perfectly,
Did you know that radiation from the sun causes to acquire the same amount of inforrnation and
all earth weather-snow, rain, hail, wind-as well as
heat and light? at more than 100 times the cost.
Did you know all of earth's water power, coal, A second observatory, 050 II, in continu-
petroleum and other combustible fuels find their
ance of the NASA program, was launched into
beginnings in radiation from the sun's surface?
Did you know that in just 1 second of time the orbit from Cape Kennedy, Florida, on Febru-
sun emits more energy than all of the people of earth ary 3, 1965.
combined have used or consumed in the entire history
of the world?
The scientific data obtained by 050 I and
Did you know that if it weren't for the thick
blanket of invisible air that surrounds our planet that 1/ experiments were telemetered to earth by two
some of the sun's more lethal radiation would kill us in independent tape recorders and transmitters to
an instant?
insure receIving accuracy. During 90 minutes
of each of OSO's 96-minute orbits, information
about the sun gathered by its optics, scanning
sometimes opaque blanket of air surrounding the sun's surface once every two seconds, is fed
earth in our efforts to understand the solar into a tape recorder. D,uring five of the remain-
system. ing six minutes, one of the five NASA ground
As a matter of fact, until the National Aer- stations monitoring OSO's travels directs the
onautics and Space Administration launched its 050 recorder to transmit the data . The data
first Orbiting Solar Observatory (050), March is transmitted at a rate 18 times faster than that
7, 1962, the technique of studying the sun at. which it was recorded. A~ 050 transmits its
hadn't changed much since Galileo made his information, it simultaneously wipes its tape
first observations some 350 years ago in 1610. clear, so when the broadcasting ceases, it can
Prior to the development of these orbiting (during the remaining 60-seconds) get set to
observatories, a few measurements, beyond the record more data. NASA ground stations can
atmosphere, of solar radiations that are ab- also order OSO's transmitter on or off, and turn
sorbed in the earth's atmosphere had been on or turn off the experiment equipment aboard
obtained-not too satisfactorily-with the use of 050.
sounding rockets and early space probes of the
Vanguard, Pioneer and Explorer series.
Delta louncloes 050 II .
During the 77 days of almost perfect op-
eration which followed 050 I's launching from
Cape Kennedy, the solar observatory transmitted
nearly 1,000 hours' data from its lofty vantage
of view 350 miles above the earth. In the first
three months of its operation, the spa cecraft ob-
tained more than three times as much informa-
tion as had been previously obtained in man's
history about solar emission of X-rays, and more
than 4,000 times the information previously
known about the sun's spectrum . It observed
more than 140 solar flares, mapped the sky in
gamma radiation and examined energy particles
in the low-altitude Van Allen Belt region. Sig-
flcantly, it also found wide discrepancies be-
een solar activity above the earth's atmosphere
as compared with observations made on earth.
NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO. 7
All tracking and telemetry stations con-
cerned with OSO's globe-girdling travels are
part of NASA's Space Tracking and Data Ac-
quisition Network. The primary stations used
in the 050 program are located at Fort Myers,
Florida; Blossom Point Maryland; Quito, Ecuador;
Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Woomera,
Australia .
THE SUN
The sun, 93 million miles from earth, is a
raging ball of matter and energy approximately
864,000 miles in diameter (100 times that of
earth), and has a mass 332,000 times greater
than that of earth. Its chemical composition
apparently is similar to that of earth although it
is so hot-its estimated core temperature is 35
million degrees Fahrenheit-that it remains com-
pletely gaseous. Scientists have computed its
density at about one-fourth that of earth.
The surface of this seething furnace is
wracked by solar storms of a violence almost in-
comprehensible to man. Giant flares that could
instantly engulf earth sometimes leap millions of
miles into space above its surface and solar
prominences billow outward a half-mi"ion miles
or more. At times, huge dark patches called
sun spots, generally in pairs and mysteriously
with opposite magnetic polarities, inexplicably
appear to puncture the sun's surface. They re-
Solar-earth phenomena.
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main visible for from days to months before dis-
appearing as abruptly as they appeared .
During these great storms, which seem to
reach their maximum on an average of every
eleven years, the earth's atmosphere i-s bom-
barded with massive and erratic doses of ultra-
violet, X-ray and gamma rays. Electrica"y
charged particles from these sun eruptions
stream out across space and collide with earth's
magnetic field.
When this happens, radio transmissions are
sometimes blanketed-completely blocked or un-
inte"igible; compass needles become erratic;
electric power transmission in lines ebbs and
grows in intensity; brilliant auroras borealis and
australis emanate across polar skies.
Sometimes plant life is accelerated and
often greatly increased rainfalls are associated
with the intense solar radiations. In fact, sci-
entists tell us solar radiation is responsible for
a" of earth's weather patterns. And it is hoped
that OSOs wi" not only prove this fact but wi"
be able to aid science predict weather with more
certainty. For example, scientists believe that
when the sun has "outbursts of temper," vari-
ations in the X-ray and ultraviolet emissions
(which cannot be measured on earth because of
absorption in the upper atmosphere) trigger
weather changes and sometimes violent and un-
predictable storms in the lower atmosphere.
In space travel, we know that man wi" be
exposed to larger, more frequent emissions of
lethal X-ray and solar proton-neutron radiation.
This may require additional radiation shielding
of personnel, or even delay of missions. Yet
the earth's protective atmosphere screens out
major portions of the sun's radiation, making it
difficult and in some cases impossible for
ground-based observers to evaluate their cause
and effect.
Thus, spatial investigation of sun-earth re-
lations by OSOs contribute greatly to our knowl-
edge of the space environment, directly support-
ing our efforts to advance U.S. space capabilities,
to develop manned space flight, and to make
other significant applications of space technol-
ogy. These investigations are important to our
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understanding of weather, of atmospheric be-
havior and climate, of the ionosphere, magnetic
orms, and auroros, and their influence on radio
communications.
Therefore, there are two equally important
objectives of NASA's Solar Physics Program.
One is to advance our understanding of the
sun's constitution and behavior. A second ob-
NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO. 7
sition, size, mass, density, and temperature as a
base for study of other stars (astrophysical phe-
nomena). It is the only star on which our
astronomers can directly observe structural fea-
tures such as sun spots, flares, or prominences.
Also, it is the only star near enough to permit
the study of its X-ray, gamma ray, and radio
emissions.

Photograph of 0 solar prominence taken during a solar eclipse by Mount Wilson-Palomar Observatories. It shows a
prominence, boiling into space beyond the sun's surface for hundreds of thousonds of miles. The white dot t o the right
of prominence represents the earth to scale.

jective is to understand the physical processes Normally the sun appears as a white,
by which the sun influences the earth's upper luminous disc without any noticeable surface fea-
atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and tures. However, if one looks closely at photo-
erplanetary space beyond earth. graphs of the sun, it seems to possess a ftne-
Because the sun is the nearest star, it offers grained cellular structure. Scientists call this
an unparalleled opportunity to study the compo- "solar granulation." They believe that the
I-------------------------------------------------~=====~---------------------------
I. NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO. 7
granules seen in photographs actually are tur-
bulent motions of huge rising and descending
columns of gas 100-150 miles in diameter.
Physicists think these granules are linked in some
mysterious way to the process which produces
the magnetic fields of the sunspots.
The sun emits radiation across the entire
electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light, radio
waves, X-rays, gamma rays, infrared and ultra-
violet light are all manifestations of electromag-
netic radiation emitted by the sun.
Radiation from the sun, emitted in the
visible region, is transmitted through earth's at-
Photograph of the sun. Note the black sunspots.
mosphere. This, of course, is fortunate for the
maintenance of life on earth. Unfortunately for
solar physicists, however, the visible light from
the sun does not contain much information about
the processes which take place on the sun.
Ultraviolet and X-rays are for the most
part absorbed by the atmosphere and vary in
intensity with solar activity, but they contain a
great deal of information about solar processes.
Because ultraviolet light and X-rays seem to con-
trol- or at least have a great effect on -the
properties of the earth's ionosphere, scientists
need to know as much about solar emissions of
ultraviolet and X-rays as possible.
Page S
Solar proton beams, which are ejected by
sun eruptions (solar flares), are probably the
greatest radiation hazard to crews in unshielded
spacecraft. Solar flares seem to occur between
sunspots. So the ability to predict the times
of their occurrence, or alternatively, the times
when they will not occur, is of considerable
value to America's manned space flight effort.
Only by thorough study of solar flares and
solar activity can such an ability be developed.
Since most of the scientifically significant
radiation from the sun is absorbed by the at-
mosphere, the only way it can really be aptly
Photograph of the sun taken monochromatically (ruling
out all light but one color) in hydrogen light. Note the
granular appearance of the sun's surface and the sunspots
looking like black fissures in its surface.
studied is from a spacecraft. That is one of the
reasons why the NASA Orbiting Solar Observa-
tories are so important.
Solar physicists have known for many years
that there are a number of characteristic periods
of solar phenomena. For example, they know
that solar activity for some reason builds to a
maximum of activity and then subsides in about
an 11-year cycle. Scientists also know that the
number of sunspots visible on the sun is a good
indicator of the number of flares which can be
expected. Right now our solar system is at the
_.__ JJ
~------------------~--~--------- ~ ----------~~-~~==~~:.:-~~~-------~-~~:~-------
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minimum activity phase of the sunspot cycle and
few solar flares have been observed.
There has been, as a result, a world-wide
effort under way to study a variety of geophys-
ical phenomena at solar minimum-The Inter-
national Quiet Sun Year (IQSY) Program.
However, solar activity will be at a maximum
again in 1968 to 1969. NASA scientists are
working at top speed to get everything ready in
ground laboratories and in the positioning of
orbiting solar observatories in an effort to gather
all possible information during the 1968-1969
period.
Enlarged photo of 0 sunspot field taken in white light.
Note the apparent lines of magnetic force around the
sunspot.
ORBITING SOLAR OBSERVATORIES
OSOs, depending upon the nature of
their missions, may vary in gross weight from
about 400 pounds to about 600 pounds.
050-1 weighs 450 pounds and 050-11, 545
pounds. Experiment equipment carried aboard
050-11 weighs 215 pounds.
A feature of the 050 spacecraft is its
capability for maintaining high accuracy in its
positioning in outer space over extended periods
time. This provides solar physicists with an
~ act means of observing the sun not heretofore
available.
1
l___ _
NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO. 7
The spacecraft, like many other satellites,
uses the gyroscopic properties of a spinning
body for stability. Launched by a three-stage
Delta Rocket, 050 travels in a 350-mile high,
96-minute, earth orbit.
The spacecraft consists of two parts: a
wheel section and a platform or "sail." There-
fore, it is known as a sail-and-wheel vehicle.
The heaviest part of 050 is a nine-sided
drum containing experiments, batteries, radio
equipment and position-control apparatus.
Mounted on a shaft running through the center
of the drum is a semicircular "sail" covered on
one side with solar cells to convert sunlight into
electric power, and capable of pointing instru-
ments at the sun. While 050 is getting its
final push from the launching rocket's third
stage, both drum and sail spin rapidly. (The
spinning action gyroscopically aids 050 in
maintaining its orbital path.) After it is in orbit,
three arms carrying spherical tanks of high-pres-
sure nitrogen swing outward, and small nitrogen
jets go into action to reduce the spin to a steady
30 revolutions per minute.
light sensors on 050 then begin their
search for the sun. When the sun is located,
nitrogen gas, discharged from a tank in the
drum, revolves the drum's axis until it is perpen-
dicular to the sun ' s direction . Next, a motor
on the central shaft starts turning the sail so
that its solar cells can fix steadily onto the sun's
rays. 050 gets gyroscopic stability from the
spinning drum, while the solar cells on the point-
ing sail are always in the right position to
develop maximum power.
Mounted on the sail, and pointed accurately
at the center of the sun by a special set of me-
chanical eyes, are two instrument compartments
which carry 050' s various sun experiments.
Typically, an X-ray spectrometer measures the
wave length and strength of X-rays coming from
the sun. A photomultiplier tube lo oks for
powerful gamma rays that are believed to come
from electrons and positrons annihilating each
other in the sun's churning gas . A dust counter
watches the sun to find out whether microscopic
dust particles are coming from its direction.
 , NASA FACTS VOL. III, NO.7 Page 7

ORBITING SOLAR OBSERVATORY

SOLAR CELL ARRAY

COARSE EYES
IAZIMUTH)

PITCH CONTROL EYES

FINE POINTING
EXPER IMENTS
POWER AMPLIFIERS (2)
TAPE RECORDERS (2)
COAXIAL SWITCH

BOX)

STABILIZATION BOOM
SPIN UP ___

1 NOZZLE VDESPIN NOZZLE

GAS BOTTLES
FOR SPIN RATE
CONTROL

OSO II PROGRAM SUMMARY-Major Objectives: To measure electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, X-ray, and
gamma ray regions of the spectrum, and to study their emissions; to study white light coronagraph; and to make zodiacal
light device scanning experiments. -Life Time: Estimated at six months -Launch Vehicle: Thor Delta -Circular Orbit: 342-
374NM -Inclination: 32.8 degrees -Orbit Time: 96,4 min . -Payload Weight: 540lbs, -Power: 26 watts (solar cell
conversion) -Stabilization: 30rpm (spin rate)

Other instruments mounted in the "wheel"
record 'radiation from both sun and sky as the
drum spins, and a neutron counter catches neu-
trons bounced up fr om the earth's atmosphere
by the impact of cosmic rays. All the readings
are recorded on tape during each orbit.
050 passes over a NASA radio receiving sta-
tion, it is given a signal that orders 050 trans-
mitters into operation and to send their data
down to earth stations.
The platform or "sail" of 050 contains an
array of solar cells. Solar energy is the sole
power source for operating electrical equipment
on the spacecraft. This solar cell array in-
geniously conve rts solar energy into electrical
powe r when, during its earth orbit, the space-
craft is in sunlight. Electric power thus gene-
rated is stored in batteries housed in one of the
"wheel's" compartments and provides a con-
stant voltage supply to the spacecraft at all
times. The total surface of the solar array
amounts to only 3.7 square feet but it contains
When 1,860 solar cells capable of producing a power
output of about 26 watts.
Some nine months of scientific sun-viewing
was accomplished by 050 II, during which its
stabilization system unerringly kept 050 instru-
mentation pointed at the sun for more than
2,000 orbits . However, the useful design
lifetime of an 050 spacecraft is six months be-
cause, by that time, the nitrogen gas jetted by
the extended arms to keep 050 in orbit will
have been expended. As a result the space-
craft-unguided-Ioses its sun orientation. In
.Pag~ 8 NASA FACTS VOL. /II, NO. 7
turn, the solar cells, which must be kept aimed
t the sun in order to generate electricity needed
y the experiments and for the control of data
transmission, become ineffective. The space-
craft then may continue, blind and mute, in
its earth orbit for years but its capability to
gather, store, and transmit scientific information
is ended.
NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatories are
counted among America's most rewarding space
ventures. Scientists in government, industry,
and the world's great universities are obtaining
complete libraries of important and hitherto un-
obtainable information about the nature of the
solar system. They are learning much about
the cause and effects of solar radiation upon
all earth life, weather, communications, and
other earth processes, as well as what our
spacemen may expect to face in the hostile en-
vironment of space. More OSO missions are
scheduled by NASA in coming months. Each
has a number of specific tasks to perform. All
of them are aimed at providing man with a
better understanding of Earth-the third planet-
Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe.

LOCK ON SUN IN ELEVATION ACTUATE PITCH JETS (LOCK ON SUN

EACH SATELLITE MORN I NG SHUT OFF
EACH SATELLITE NIGHT)

LOCK ON SUN IN AZIMUTH AND

REMOVE NUTATION
\
\
\
DE-SPIN TO 30 R. P. M. ~
\
\
\
\
\
\
~ 3rd STAGE SEPARATION \
\
ARMS OUT ~

~ 3rd STAGE BURNOUT

FI RE 3rd STAGE

~ SPIN 3rd STAGE AND SATELLITE TO 120 R. P. M -START SATELLITE TIMER

OSO Flight sequence

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