You are on page 1of 43

i

Nei - ^63s-q

ALSEP Press
Backgrounder

Apollo
Lunar
Surface CASE FiLE
Experiments COPY
Package

^a
c

/6
-I'VII,
^ t` `d^^r7 ^ '^! Z N

1 I^'

Bendix Aerospace
Systems Division
e

The cover painting shows an astronaut .tarrying the Apollo Lunar


Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) in its "barbell" configuration.
The design allows an astronaut to carry ALSEP easily while maintaining
his view of the lunar surface.

The frontispiece photograph illustrates a completed deployment of ALSEP


as it will be carried on Apollo 12. Ribbon-like conductors link the
experiments to the Central Station. ALSEP is deployed beyond 300feet
from the lunar module to assure its safety from the rocket blast of the
astronauts" departure.

From Daniel H. Schurz


Director of Public Relations
The Bendix Corporation
Aerospace Systems Division
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48107
November 1969

V.
Of
w
^^- zo r
o ^
z <
Q
c^ z
^ ^
o Q w o z o p
U N Q N Q
Z -^ p p Z U J J p
Z d
O S z
N
w
W O Z = mN J
N
O
V Q
CL: ti
U U
S F Z
Q U N w
Z z
Q O
¢ Z m
_
J Y g O
C=)
C m
N w
LLJ N w m i
Z
Q Z
p w
N
z
Z NU V
I
U Z¢ w p ZZ Z
— UZ > OO O O
N O w N O = w O
O L/) =F- I
L Z N
Q w
N
¢ w w
U CD J Z
Q w
LU^I W
d' p n- w
Q N O
0 C7 w p= __ j w
COX) w
O
x F- NS U Q c^
— Q Z Q
U
N d p
w Z
LLJ Q m o ) c
w Z o
o Of
N _
W
S N
INC Z w w Lj^ Y
J O Q ¢ F- Q
U U
Q - S J
S -
dN U w
Z J O-i d D N 1.=L
_ JOO
~
Q
CC,
p p w
w
Q Z U :E
Q Q w
SNU Of O = — >
U Z
w w
N > XU Z O
Zw ^^- O U
nf
J C.J O O'IVN Z Q
Q —
af —
w U OfU
F- N d m Z
Q Z Q
Li
CD w
FOREWORD
ALSEP was to have been flown PSEP. Movement of PSEP components
on Apollo 11. Because of time and may have been great enough to simu-
distance constraints, astronauts late seismic activity; similarly,
Armstrong and Aldrin were given the scientists are unwilling to con-
Early Apollo Scientific Experiments clude whether or not there is tec-
.
Package (EASEP), which could be de- tonic activity based on the rela-
ployed 70 feet from the Lunar Mod- tively short period during which
ule in about 10 minutes. PSEP was reporting.

To make EASEP, Bendix stripped Telemetry indicated that the


the proposed Apollo 13 ALSEP (iden- thermal surfaces of PSEP were de-
tical to the ALSEP for Apollo 12) graded loo by the blast effect of
and mounted the Passive Seismic the Lunar Module, but PSEP con-
Experiment to the top of the Cen- tinued to perform for the first
tral Station. A laser ranging re- lunar day, reporting average elec-
flector was installed on the pallet tronics temperatures up to 1900F.
carrying the isotope power supply.
Thermal control and antenna point- When it was shut down by Earth
ing designs were traded off in fa- command on August 2 for the first
vor of ease of deployment. lunar night, PSEP had achieved 100%
mission success.
EASEP was successfully de-
ployed on the Moon on July 20,1969. PSEP survived the lunar night
and turned on for the beginning of
Minutes after its deployment, the second lunar day on August 19.
Earth commands turned on the Pas- On 25 August, during the second
sive Seismic Experiment Package lunar day, PSEP began to refuse
(PSEP) and leveled the seismometer, commands and the instrument shut
which began sending reports as the down by itself with the darkness
astronauts walked on the lunar of the second lunar night.
surface. The seismometer recorded
the impact of articles discarded The third lunar day began on
by the astronauts as they prepared September 16, and signals were re-
to return to the orbiting command ceived from PSEP indicating the
module. For the remainder of the thermal plate temperature was -520F
first lunar day, it recorded a in the early lunar dawn. The shad-
number of events which appeared to owed (west facing) solar panel re-
scientists to represent seismic ported -242 0 F. The PSE remained
activity and/or rock slides down in standby status and the system
the sides of nearby craters. continued to reject commands.

ALSEP will confirm whether or EASEP is the subject of a sep-


not actual seismic events or mete- arate Press Backgrounder published
oroid impacts were recorded by by Bendix.
CONTENTS

` Title Page

Introduction 1

Lunar Exploration 1

Exploration Objectives 1

ALSEP System Selected 2

ALSEP Instrument Objectives 4

ALSEP System Operation 7

ALSEP Supporting Subsystems 7

Electrical Power Subsystem 8

Passive Seismic Experiment 10

Active Seismic Experiment 13

Lunar Surface Magnetometer Experiment 15

Solar Wind Experiment 16

Lunar Ionosphere Detector 17

Lunar Atmosphere Detector 18

Heat Flow Experiment Subsystem 19

Charged-Particle Lunar Environment


Experiment Subsystem 21

Dust Detector 22

' Data Subsystem 22

Electrical Power Subsystem 23

Structural/Thermal Subsystem 25

ALSEP Deployment 26

Remove Packages 26
CONTENTS (CONT. )
w

Title Page


Transfer Fuel 27


Deploy RTG 27


Deploy Central Station 27


Deploy Experiments 30


Abbreviations 33
ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure Title Page

1. ALSEP Stowed Configuration 3

2. ALSEP Deployed Configuration 3

3. ALSEP Data Flow 8

4. Location of ALSEP Within the LM 9

5. ALSEP System Functional Block Diagram 11

6. Passive Seismic Experiment 12

7. Active Seismic Experiment 14

8. Lunar Surface Magnetometer Experiment 16

9. Solar Wind Experiment 17

10. Lunar Ionosphere Detector 18

11. Heat Flow Experiment 20

12. Apollo Lunar Surface Drill 20

13. Charged-Particle Lunar Environment Experiment 21

14. Dust Detector 22

15. Data Subsystem Simplified Block Diagram 23

16. Central Station 24

17. Electrical Power Subsystem Generator Assembly 24

18. Fuel Cask Assembly 24

19. Astronaut Inserting Fuel Capsule into RTG 25

20. ALSEP Deployment Timeline 28-29

21. Astronaut in Barbell Carry Mode 30

22. ALSEP Deployment 31

iv
TABLES
Page
Table Title

6
ALSEP System Objectives

2. ALSEP Deployment Configurations


INTRODUCTION determine its environment, composi-
tion a,id gross body properties,
Project Apollo, under the (2) utilize the unique character-
direction of the National Aero- istics of the Moon to establish
nautics and Space Administration, observatories and laboratories
is the program designed to accom- for long-term scientific investi-
plish the national objective of gations, and (3) determine if
a manned lunar landing in 1969. lunar resources could be used
Project Apollo provides a variety for extended lunar operations,
of approaches to lunar exploration: future interplanetary exploration,
the astronauts will collect sam- and terrestrial purposes. The
ples of the lunar surface for knowledge gained from these goals
return to Earth; they will emplace will allow not only an understanding
a series of scientific experiment of the Moon, but will also provide
instruments on the lunar surface-- insight into the history and evo-
the Early Apollo Scientific Experi- lutionary sequence of events in
ments Package (EASEP) and the the formation of our solar system.
Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments The Moon's proximity to Earth,
Package (ALSEP). Finally, the its environment which provides
astronauts will traverse the Moon's unobstructed observation of our
surface, observing terrain, taking solar system, and the geological
photographs, collecting lunar process of its evolution make
samples, and performing other it the logical first step for
measurements. manned exploration of the solar
system.
The ALSEP System is designed
to return lunar scientific data EXPLORATION OBJECTIVES
to the Earth for as long as one
year after the astronauts' depar- The Space Science Board of the
ture. The data to be acquired National Academy of Sciences met at
will, it is anticipated, provide Woods Hole, Massachusetts in the sum-
the scientific community with mer of 1965 to study the goals of
unprecedented knowledge of the lunar exploration. At this meeting
lunar environment--especially 15 major questions associated
in the areas of geology, geophysics with exploration of the Moon were
geochemistry, particles and fields. established. These questions
provide a detailed elucidation
This Backgrounder is published of the scientific interests:
to familiarize the reader with
the principal scientific objectives
1. What is the internal
of ALSEP, the equipment, its oper-
structure of the Moon?
ation and its deployment on the
lunar surface by the Apollo astro-
nauts . 2. What is the geometric
shape of the Moon?
LUNAR EXPLORATION

The broad goals of lunar ex- 3. What is the present in-


ploration are to (1) obtain in- ternal energy regime of
formation from the Moon to the Moon?

4. What is the composition 15. What magnetic fields are

of the lunar surface? retained in rocks on the lu-
nar surface?
S. What principal processes
are responsible for the A number of scientific disci-
present structure of the plines contribute to the operational
lunar surface? techniques necessary for lunar ex-
ploration. Aside from the obvious
6. What is the present pattern contributions of the geosciences
and distribution of tec- (geodesy, geology, geochemistry
tonic activity on the and geophysics), other contributing
Moon? disciplines include biology, parti-
cles and fields, lunar atmospheres
7. What are the dominant pro- and astronomy. Following the Na-
cesses of erosion, trans- tional Academy of Sciences meet-
port and deposition of ing, the National Aeronautics and
material on the lunar sur- Space Administration conducted
face? a Lunar Exploration and Science
Conference at Falmouth, Massachu-
8. What volatile substances setts to consider the specific
are present on or near the approaches to be taken in each
lunar surface? of the disciplinary areas perti-
nent to lunar exploration.
9. Are there organic and/or
proto-organic molecules on
the Moon? ALSEP SYSTEM SELECTED

Of the lunar exploration sys-


10. What is the age of the Moon
tem concepts investigated, the
and the age of strati-
most noteworthy is the Apollo Lu-
graphic units on the lunar
nar Surface Experiments Package
surface? (ALSEP) which was developed under
the direction of the National Aero-
11. What is the history of dy- nautics and Space Administration
namical interaction between (NASA), Manned Spacecraft Center.
the Earth and the Moon?
NASA selected the Bendix Aerospace
Systems Division as the prime con-
12. What is the thermal, the tractor for the design, integra-
tectonic, and possible tion, test and systems management
volcanic history of the of this scientific exploration
Moon? package.
13. What has been the rate of The ALSEP system (Figures 1
solid objects striking the and 2) is a set of scientific in-
Moon and how has that flux struments which will remain on
varied with time? the lunar surface after the astro-
nauts' departure, and will provide
14. What is the history of important data on the structure,
cosmic and solar radiation composition and characteristics
flux acting on the Moon? of the Moon as well as providing

2
SUBPACKAGE 1 SUBPACKAGE 2

Figure 1 ALSEP Stowed Configuration

Figure 2 ALSEP Deployed Configuration


(Apollo 13)

3
advanced scientific study in areas The extent of layer exposure
of the solar wind, lunar atmosphere that exists on the Moon is also
and magnetic fields. of scientific interest. On the
Earth, this exposure results from
erosion or man's excavation. Ex-
ALSEP INSTRUMENT OBJECTIVES posure may occur on the Moon in
regions of faulting and may pro-
Lunar studies will lead to vide scientists an opportunity to
a better understanding of the geol- study the layering of the rock as
ogy and geophysics of the Earth it occurs in depth. It is only
and will have a major impact on with this exposure and the use of
the evaluation of contemporary the ALSEP instruments (particu-
theories of lunar and Earth evo- larly the seismic instruments)
lution. Measurements of physical that scientists will be able to
properties of the lunar surface determine lunar subsurface charac-
and interior are not ends in them- teristics.
selves; they are important also
The ALSEP seismic instruments
in that they reveal the structure,
will allow a definitive study of
composition, and state of the
the structure and tectonic activi-
Moon's interior and will help to
ty of the Moon. Two expected
explain its surface features.
sources of lunar seismic energy,
moonquakes and meteroid impacts,
were not definitely detected by
In a broader sense, studies
EASEP. Thus there is still no
of the Moon gain significance when
clear evidence to prove whether the
viewed in the context of an evol-
moon is seismically active or in-
ving program of planetary explor-
active.
ation directed toward information
related to the origin and develop- Supposing that there are moon-
ment of the solar system. quakes; as the number of recorded
seismic events increases, the com-
pressional and shear velocity struc-
One of the most interesting ture of the Moon may be revealed
questions to be explored with the with a precision dependent upon
ALSEP instruments will be whether the number, type, and distribution
or not the Moon evolved in the of quakes. Scientists may then
same pattern as is now believed be able to answer such basic ques-
for the Earth. On the Earth, rock tions as: (1) Is the internal struc-
formations include granite and ture of the Moon radially symmet-
basalt - both with an almost be- rical as the Earth, and, if so,
wildering variety of mineral com- is it differentiated? (2) Does
binations. The lunar geophysical the Moon have a core and a crust?
information we have thus far does and (3) Is the Moon's core fluid
not permit scientists to determine or solid?
whether similar lunar differenti-
ation exists. ALSEP instruments If the Moon turns out to be
and extensive exploration of the seismically inactive, we will have
lunar surface will provide infor- to rely upon meteoroid impacts
mation which may permit scientific and pyrotechnics to provide seis-
answers to this important question mic energy. The ALSEP active seismic

4
instrument will provide valu- therefore, directly relevant to
able lunar data resulting from a study of the structure of the
artifically produced sources of Moon.
seismic energy. Recordings of
meteoroid impacts by an ALSEP pas- The occasional violent outbursts
sive seismometer will provide a of protons from the Sun (related
clear measure of meteoroid flux to the solar flares) can be stud-
density in the lunar environment. ied from the Moon in ways not pos-
Recorded meteoroid impacts should sible from the Earth. On the Earth,
range from the continuous rain the solar wind cannot be studied
of small particles very near the because the Earth's magnetic field
seismic instrument to the occasion- repels it. On the Moon, where the
al meteoroid of such great size magnetic field gradient is signif-
that its impact may be measurable icantly less, scientific measure-
at any point on the lunar surface. ment of solar wind particles with
ALSEP instruments will be possible.
Is the Moon's core a remnant Also, particles sent out by the
of a molten body formed during Sun set up currents through the
the same period as the Earth? If Moon which can be monitored by
the core does exist, and is still the ALSEP solar wind spectrometer.
hot, it may be sustained by insu- The characteristics of these cur-
lating layers of mantle or supple- rents will aid in determining the
mented by heat from radioactive conductivity of the Moon. Data
decay. The ALSEP heat flow experi- on the Moon's conductivity and
ment will determine the net flow its magnetic properties will give
of heat outward from the Moon's additional insight to the compo-
interior, and it may reveal the sition of the Moon.
existence of a hot core. Precise
measurements of the flow of the Finally, the role of the un-
interplanetary magnetic field expected must not be underrated.
through the Moon by an ALSEP mag- A series of scientific experiment
netometer instrument will tell instruments successfully deployed
if the Moon attracts or repels and operating on the lunar surface
this interplanetary field. The may reveal heretofore unexpected
data obtained from this experiment and perhaps inexplicable informa-
will aid scientists in interpre- tion. Indeed, the course of extra-
ting the internal composition of terrestrial exploration and our
the Moon. understanding of the forces in
the universe may change dramatic-
Determining the amount, com- ally as the ALSEP experiments re-
port their data.
position, and variation of the
lunar atmosphere will greatly con- The ALSEP objectives listed
tribute to lunar geophysical in- in Table 1 are accomplished by
formation. It is possible that eight experiment subsystems selec-
the lunar atmosphere is dominated ted by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration to be
by volcanism or other outgassing included as part of the ALSEP Sys-
processes. The atmospheric meas- tem. Weight and volume restric-
urements by ALSEP instruments are, tions and the achievement of optimum

TABLE 1
ALSEP SYSTEM OBJECTIVES

Measurement Experiment/Meth,%d Used


GEOPHYSICS
1. Natural Seismology(meteroid impacts Passive Seismic Experiment/long-and short-
and tectonic disturbances) period seismometers which detect by dis-
placing an inertial mass relative to a fixed
transducer
2. Properties of lunar interior (existenc e Passive Seismic Experiment/tidal interpre-
of core, mantle, etc) tation of long-period seismic measurement
3. Properties at shallow depths (elastic Active Seismic Experiment/artificial seismic
properties of lunar near-surface energy sources (grenade launcher assembly
materials) and thumper device) and detection equipment
(geophones)
4. Chemical sorting of mantle material Heat Flow Experiment/two heat flow probe
(rate of heat flow outward from the assemblies. Probes (temperature sensors
Moon's interior) and heating elements) placed in 10-ft holes
5. Insulating properties of lunar Heat Flow Expe ri ment
surface (conductive heat flow
through lunar surface)
6. Lunar dust (dust accretion effects on Dust Detector/rate of dust accretion and its
thermal equilibrium of instruments) effects on three solar cells oriented in
ecliptic plane of Sun. Solar cell outputs and
their temperatures, as monitored by thermistors,
provide data for evaluating dust effect on
instruments
PARTICLES AND FIELDS
1. Interaction of solar wind and Moon Solar Wind Experiment/ monitoring of particles
(temporal, spectral, and directional using exposed collection cups (sensors) having
characteristics) electrically charged grids
8. Magnetic field and its temporal Magnetometer Experiment/tri-axis flux-gate
variations at the lunar surface magnetometer instrument. Three booms, each
with flux-gate sensors, separated to form a
rectangular coordinate system and gimballed to
allow alignment in parallel or orthogonal
configurations. Parallel orientation measures
local field gradient. Flipper device provides for
180-degree sensor rotation
9. Composition of lunar atmosphere Charged-Particle Lunar Environment
(electron/proton energies) Experiment/detection and monitoring of particle
energy levels using two sensor assemblies
(analyzers)
10. Lunar ionosphere positive ion Lunar Ionosphere Detectoridetection of positive
detection, (flux, energy, and ions in lunar ionosphere and thermalized solar
velocity of positive ions). Also wind using a curved plate analyzer as detector
loss rate of contaminants left by device. Velocity selector analyzer used to
astronauts and the LM determine particle velocities and energies
11. Lunar atmospheric pressure Lunar Atmosphere Detector/ measures
the presence of particles for an interpretation
of the density of the lunar atmosphere

6
efficiency in over-all system Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN).
operation requires a division of ALSEP commands will originate with-
the experiment subsystems into in the Mission Control Center (MCC),
separate flight systems, each con- Houston, Texas, and will be for-
taining four experiments distrib- warded to the remote sites of the
uted as shown in Table 2. MSFN. At these same sites, telem-
etry data received from ALSEP will
TABLE 2 be forwarded to the MCC.
ALSEP DEPLOYMENT CONFIGURATIONS
The ALSEP telemetry system
(Figure 3) consists of two dis-
APOLLO 12 tinct links. The Earth-to-Moon
AND APOLLO APOLLO
Experiment Sub- link (the up-link) provides for
15 13 14
systems remote control of ALSEP command
Passive Seismic X X X functions such as experiment mode
Active Seismic X selection, transmitter selection,
Magnetometer X change of subsystem data rates
Solar Wind X and subsystem operation flexibil-
Lunarlono- X X ities (turn-on, turn-off, etc.).
sphere Detector
The Moon-to-Earth link (the down-
Heat Flow X link) provides for the transmis-
Charged- Particle X X sion of scientific and engineering
Lunar Environment
data from the ALSEP subsystems
Lunar Atmos- X
phere Detector to Earth receiving stations. Four
different data transmission fre-
quencies will be used to permit
ALSEP SYSTEM OPERATION simultaneous operation of four
separate ALSEP systems.
ALSEP is currently scheduled
to be included on the second
through fifth Apollo manned lu- ALSEP will be deployed by the
nar landings. The ALSEP system Apollo astronauts in a prescribed
objectives listed in Table 1 will arrangement. Each instrument will
be achieved through the use of be connected to the Central Sta-
eight scientific experiment instru- tion by flat, ribbon-like conduc-
ments and their supporting subsys- tor cabling. The Central Station
tems. The Apollo astronauts will consists of the transmitters and
place the experiment instruments receivers, the Data Subsystem,
and related subsystems on the lu- electronics for the seismic instru-
nar surface. While in operation ments, and a switch panel for sys-
on the Moon, the ALSEP system will tem activation by the astronaut.
be self-sufficient and use a Ra-
dioisotope Thermoelectric Genera- ALSEP SUPPORTING SUBSYSTEMS
tor (RTG) for electrical power.
It will collect, format, and trans- The ALSEP system consists of
mit scientific data to Earth for two subpackages and a fuel cask
a period of approximately one year assembly (Figure 4). One sub-
after the astronauts leave the package contains three of the
lunar surface. Communications experiment subsystems, the Data
will be maintained through the Subsystem, and a portion of the

COMMAND TELEMETRY

LINK LINK

LUNAR
ATMOSPHERE
DETECTOR
COMMANDS
POWER POWER DATA
SUBSYSTEM I ENG DATA SUBSYSTEM ACTIVE
OTHER SEISMIC
COMMANDS& TIMING ALSEPS

I—]
POWER TT_
D A HEAT
FLOW

LUNAR LUNAR
PASSIVE SOLAR WIND CHARGED
SURFACE IONOSPHERE
SEISMIC SPECTROMETER DETECTOR PARTICLE
MAGNETOMETER

EXPERIMENT SUBSYSTEMS

Figure 3 ALSEP Data Flow

Electrical Power Subsystem. The feet and, together with the fuel
other subpackage contains the astro- cask assembly and lunar hand tools,
naut hand tools used for geologi- weigh approximately 280 pounds.
cal sampling, one of the experi- Quick-disconnect fasteners are
ment subsystems and the remainder provided for locking the ALSEP
of the Electrical Power Subsystem. subpackages in place in the SEQ
The fuel cask assembly is the trans- bay during Earth-to-Moon transit
portation container for the radio- and for easy removal by the astro-
active fuel capsule. naut during the lunar surface de-
ployment of ALSEP.
The two ALSEP subpackages will
be mounted within the Scientific ELECTRICAL POWER SUBSYSTEM
Equipment (SEQ) bay of the Lunar
Module (LM) for transit to the The fuel cask assembly is part
Moon. The SEQ bay is located in of the Electrical Power Subsystem.
the LM descent stage and is divi- It is mounted externally to the
ded into compartments which accept LM on the left side of the SEQ
the two ALSEP subpackages. The bay, adjacent to ALSEP subpackage
two ALSEP subpackages occupy a 1. When fueled with the ra-
volume of approximately 1S cubic dioactive fuel capsule, the fuel

8
FWD R

LM 1

\ 1 CENTERLINE

FUEL CASK l J
LOCATION
—FWD e
COMPART- COMPART-
MENT NO. I MENT NO. Z
o '^
AFT

LM SCIENTIFIC
EQUIPMENT BAY

Figure 4 Location of ALSEP Within the LM


cask assembly weighs approximately nents are included in such a way
22 pounds. The location of the that, by MSFN command, the output
fuel cask assembly allows for in- of either data processor may be
flight radiative heat transfer connected to either transmitter.
from the fuel capsule to space.
A guard and shield plus special The experiment subsystems re-
tools provide astronaut thermal ceive decoded command data from
protection during deployment. the command decoder, perform their
respective lunar environmental de-
The Electrical Power Subsys- tection and measuring activities,
tem provides DC power to the data and provide scientific and engi-
and experiment subsystems. It neering data to the data processor
contains a SNAP 27 Radioisotope for encoding and ultimate trans-
Thermoelectric Generator (RTG), a mission to the MSFN.
power conditioning unit (PCU) and
interconnecting cabling. The two
components provide all DC voltage The functional operation of
for ALSEP operation. Selected DC the ALSEP system is illustrated in
electrical outputs of the PCU are Figure S.
supplied to the power distribu-
tion and signal conditioning com- PASSIVE SEISMIC EXPERIMENT
ponents in the Data Subsystem
which distribute (via command data The Passive Seismic Experiment
processed by the command decoder (Figure 6) is designed to deter-
circuits) DC power to: (1) heater mine the natural seismicity of the
circuits of the data, experiment, Moon. Seismic energy is expected
and electrical power subsystems' to be produced on the Moon by tec-
thermal control elements, (2) ex- tonic disturbances and meteoroid
periment subsystem electronic impacts. Knowledge of moonquakes
packages, and (3) the Data Sub- is essential for definition of the
system electronics package. strain regime of the Moon. It is
also important to know the loca-
DATA SUBSYSTEM
tion of quake epicenters, thus
The Data Subsystem is the permitting correlation of seismic
"nerve center" of the ALSEP sys- events with surface features. In
tem. It accepts the experiment this way, insight into the origin
subsystem scientific and engi- of visible features on the Moon
neering data and encodes the data may be achieved. Analysis of the
for phase modulated RF signal form and characteristics of seis-
transmission to Earth. The Data mic waves themselves will provide
Subsystem also receives command data on the physical properties of
data from the Earth and decodes the lunar interior. Subsurface
and distributes the commands to materials will differ in compres-
the ALSEP subsystems. The Data sibility, rigidity, and tempera-
Subsystem is capable of the simul- ture. These differences will
taneous reception of commands and cause variation in seismic wave
the transmission of data. As a velocities and character, from
backup measure to help ensure one which the material characteristics
year operation, redundant trans- may be inferred. Finally, this
mitters and data processor compo- experiment will permit study of

10

x
w ^
. I z X
^ I I
^ ¢
V
^
W
;^
O
^ (
H ,-1 W
a x x
I¢ ul
I ~w a
_ ^ _Q ^ I w3m Waq ^ I
^ ^x .ion oho
wain v
I aQZ a
I ^° Eo
_o
Qx xL—
I '" "
^? cnQz z w
3
— ——-
I : m :d Z >
W
a
o ro A ro U
UQW Q E.. ^U
O W
I 3 x U x
cn
3
I ^ a
c 41 on a.
3 W
W^ 3
ro o a ^ ,n o [+^ a
^ ^
ro
^ Q U)
x x E
I w w rn
0
Y
U u Q ro
yro U
O
z z ro ro ro
q Q
B ^ o
.. q
,^ Q
m
a a 0 3^ x x ma m
[- F" 3 C
^ ^ ro p. O
a a WW
E E U
I ro ^ ^ ro
Q Q
ro ^
v
E
o
E
0
c
LL
Q V) Q LL
ro ^ U U b
°° ^ -c E
I o^, ^ ac
G
°C° ro °°
C G b a^
C
W W q W W w ro y
W C
E E: N
E o ro O a
1 p
0
V qx U q E., w
N
I zw ] J
Q
QV
G.
cro , O
L x
x LO
W q U 3
Q W
oG
p q a UO a)
I w Qa ^ Q^o m
LL
r
x ^"
cn y ro m.". W ^ Q
^•
Q N Q
b ro ro ro a c m 3 z q
ro
b WQ Oz0
.ro v ^,
ro
q ro N ro ^, q a Q U
O ro ro^^ b q v Q v Q v ^
I
[- °° c u E ro a
ro ro^ a ro
ro Q a ro
G m v E c E ^ E a x
ro
Q w C V T O y
E
L
V C
[ V
w w
lQ _W n n U —W n o C u o U^ x
w^ ^ U wC^u T
ul

¢H
a Ca
3
m a
r x 1 r ^ W
^
ww ^ I W II ^
W II w'' I I ^U) I I
a
W o l I q
"I I z ^ ^ Ix
l i 3v^ `.'^
^
ro
IW it ^^ I I o^ I ^ a
q
I I I'
( I Z Z N I I ¢^i ^
li d
v
wx Q
j ^
I QX ^ I ¢ X I I ^pW I I -1W a
-L' II ^U c E"W °^°
L awJ L L^ -QJ L oaw JI o^ W^ w
x x x x ^ H I
3 3 3 3 te a°
a a a a ^ I
11
Figure 6 Passive Seismic Experiment

the free oscillations and tidal The Passive Seismic Experiment


deformation of the Moon to provide is a portable 20-pound package
data on the gross physical prop- which has a shape similar to a
erties of the Moon. drum rounded on one end. It is
approximately 11 inches in di-
ameter and 15 inches high. The
The Passive Seismic Experiment instrument will require approxi-
functions by monitoring the dis- mately 7.5 w of power for normal
placement of inertial masses from operation with a small additional
their zero positions relative to amount of power required for the
sensitive transducers. It contains heaters during the lunar night.
four sensors mounted in a single
package. Three of these sensors The astronaut will place the
comprise a 10- to 15-second, three- instrument on a small leveling
axis, orthogonal seismometer which stool ten feet from the Central
monitors long-period, low-frequency Station, coarse level the instru-
seismic energy. Therefore, this ment manually and deploy its ther-
instrument measures approximate mal shroud. The shroud (or radi-
azimuth and distance to seismic ation shield) minimizes tempera-
epicenters as well as monitoring ture fluctuations within the in-
lunar tidal deformations. A strument.
short-period (one-half- to one-
second) sensor is used to monitor The principal investigator
the high-frequency signal spectrum. for the Passive Seismic Experi-
It also serves as a backup for ment is Dr. Gary Latham of Lamont
the long-period instrument. Geological Observatory. Dr. George

12
Sutton of the University of Hawaii, The thumper assembly is used
Dr. Frank Press of Massachusetts for investigation of material
Institute of Technology, and Dr. characteristics within a 75-foot
Maurice Ewing of Columbia Uni- depth of the lunar surface. It
versity are the co-investigators is about three feet long, and
for the experiment. will be folded for transportation.
The upper section contains elec-
ACTIVE SEISMIC EXPERIMENT tronics for the firing mechanism,
the cartridge barrel, and contact
Artificially produced seismic points. The lower section is
events (explosions) are a certain a hollow cylinder containing a
way of exploring the structure of plate which couples the energy
the moon, and will complement source to the lunar surface and
whatever findings are made by the imparts seismic waves to surface
Passive Seismic Experiments. materials for detection by the
geophones.
An active seismic survey
will provide information for de- The mortar box contains four
termining the structure, thick- explosive grenades to be activated
ness, physical properties, and by Earth command near the end
elasticity of surface and shallow- of the one—year operation on the
depth materials of the Moon. The lunar surface. About 15 inches
Active Seismic Experiment (Fig- long, it contains electronics
ure 7) uses explosive devices and grenade launching rockets and
detonated at various distances is designed to minimize the ef-
to measure the elastic properties fects of recoil. Since it is
of lunar subsurface material to necessary to know the distance
a depth of approximately 500 feet. from the geophone array at which
Seismic energy will be transmitted the grenade is detonated as well
through lunar subsurface material as the time of detonation, the
and detected by a geophone array. design provides for measurement
of grenade launch angle, grenade
The Active Seismic Experiment launch velocity, and time of flight.
contains the seismic energy sources
and the detection system. Two Refraction velocity surveys
energy sources will be employed: by the active seismic instrument
a mortar box assembly, from which will be used to study the subsur-
four explosive grenades will be face relations between the maria
launched to detonate at various and the highlands, possible inter-
distances up to 5000 feet from nal layering within the maria,
the geophone detectors, and a and the existence and nature of
"thumper" assembly containing isostatic lunar topographic fea-
21 explosive Apollo Standard In- tures. On a smaller scale, data
itiator (ASI) cartridges which on the thickness, strength and
will be activated by the astro- the variation of physical proper-
naut at specified locations along ties with depth in a possible
the geophone line. The detection surface fragmental layer is perti-
system is a linear array of three nent to a full interpretation
geophones together with ampli- of the fine structure of the lunar
fier systems and electronics. surface. It is also possible that

13
A

^s

MORTAR PACKAGE

THUMPER
Figure 7 Active Seismic Experiment

14
surface bearing strength and the the surface manifestations of this
degree of hardened subsurface mate- interior field during lunar day
rials may be inferred from active and night, it may be possible to
seismic refraction data. A con- infer the electrical conductivity
trolled active seismic survey and magnetic permeability of the
will also be of particular impor- lunar interior. These quantities
tance in the search for water on must depend upon the composition
the Moon. Local concentrations of the Moon and its internal tem-
of ice may be present on the lu- perature, and therefore are related
nar surface - beneath the depth to the origin and thermal history
of penetration of the diurnal heat of that body. If the Moon has
wave. A seismic velocity survey a small core of iron-like material,
could be used to detect the pres- magnetic field lines diffusing
ence or absence of buried ice lay- in from the solar wind should "hang
ers on the Moon. up" on the core and impede the
diffusion. It is possible, then,
The principal investigator to imagine a lunar magnetic field
for The Active Seismic Experiment streaming out through the Moon
is Dr. Robert Kovach of Stanford on its dark side, raising the pos-
University. The design approach sibility of utilizing the magne-
for the thumper assembly is that tometer for determining deep struc-
of Dr. Joel Watkins of the Mas- ture in the Moon. Other approaches
sachusetts Institute of Technology. to the problem of the interior
composition are found by examining
the propagation of electromagnetic
LUNAR SURFACE MAGNETOMETER EXPERIMENT
disturbances which originate in
the solar wind and are carried
The Lunar Surface Magnetometer through the Moon. The response
(Figure 8) will measure the mag- of the Moon should be that of a
nitude and direction of the sur- negative-gain conductor.
face magnetic field of the Moon
and changes in the field direction
up to a frequency of about one An additional purpose of this
cycle per second. The placement experiment is to monitor the pas-
of this ALSEP instrument on the sage of the Moon through the mag-
Moon is such that the equatorial netic tail of the Earth. It will
magnetic field will be determined. also obtain specific information
Magnetic fields connected with on the interaction of the solar
interplanetary space should show wind with the lunar surface and
periodic variations; fields as- whether the process results in
sociated with the Moon will be the generation of plasma waves
stationary during the lunar ro- and produces some compression of
tation. the interplanetary field during
the impacting of the solar plasma.
As the solar wind sweeps the Lastly, the site-surveying prop-
interplanetary magnetic field erty of the magnetometer instru-
against the Moon, some of this ment allows detection of plasma
field should diffuse into the in- currents and the presence of sub-
terior in a manner roughly anal- surface magnetic material such
ogous to heat flow. By studying as meteorites.

15
Figure 8 Lunar Surface Magnetometer Experiment

The scientific measurements of electrical power. The instru-


are performed using a three-axis, ment is to be deployed by the as-
flux-gate magnetometer which con- tronaut about SO feet from the
sists of three sensors mounted Central Station.
at mutual right-angles on the ends
of three-foot booms. The booms The principal investigator
are joined to an electronics pack- for this experiment is Dr. Charles
age which is placed on the lunar P. Sonett of the Space Sciences
surface. Sensor rotations with- Division, NASA-Ames Research Cen-
in the housing on the end of each ter, Moffett Field, California.
boom are automatically programmed The co-investigator is Mr. Jerry
and driven by small electronic Modisette of the Space Sciences
motors to provide both the scien- Division, NASA-Manned Spacecraft
tific measurements and site-survey Center, Houston, Texas.
gradient measurements. The range
of the magnetometer is adjustable SOLAR WIND EXPERIMENT
with the maximum value being 400
gamma. (The equatorial magnetic The Solar Wind Experiment (Fig-
field of the Earth is approximately ure 9) will measure medium energy
35,000 gamma.) Digital filtering ranges of the solar wind particles.
techniques are employed to reduce The solar wind is a flow of elec-
the noise in the output signal. trons, protons, and other charged
The Magnetometer Experiment has particles from the Sun. The na-
a total Earth weight of about 20 ture of the interaction of the
pounds and will use about 10 watts solar wind with the Moon is an

16
The structure and propagation
velocity of the solar wind can
be studied by measuring the time
intervals between the observations
of sudden changes in solar wind
properties at the Moon and at the
Earth. The time intervals are
expected to be as long as 15 min-
utes, depending on the relative
positions of the Sun, Moon, and
Earth. The measurements of the
Solar Wind Experiment will permit
knowledge to be gained about the
length, breadth, and structure
of the magnetic turbulent wake
of the Earth.

The Solar Wind Experiment will


measure the number of charged par-
ticles impinging on it, and their
energy up to 1330 electron volts
for electrons and to 9780 electron
Figure 9 Solar Wind Experiment volts for protons. The direction
of these particles will be obtain-
intriguing problem in basic plasma ed by observing which of seven
physics. This interaction is dif- sensors (each sensitive to an over-
ferent from that with the Earth's lapping portion of the lunar sky)
magnetic field, and cannot be pre- indicates their flow.
dicted theoretically with any cer-
tainty. Because of these uncer- The solar wind instrument is
tainties, the solar wind instru- about 17 inches high, 11 inches
ment is equipped to accept fluxes long, and 9 inches wide. It will
from all directions above the lu- weigh approximately 12 pounds (Earth
nar horizon and has a wide range weight) and requires a maximum
of sensitivities down to fluxes of 6.5 w operating power.
much smaller than an undisturbed
interplanetary solar wind. The principal investigator
for the Solar Wind Experiment is
Information obtained by the Dr. Conway W. Snyder; assisting
Solar Wind Experiment may contribute as co-investigators are Dr. Douglas
to an understanding of the history Clay and Mrs. Marcia Neugebauer -
and physical properties of the all of the Jet Propulsion Labora-
lunar mass in the following areas: tory.
(1) gross electrical conductivity,
(2) possibility of retaining an LUNAR IONOSPHERE DETECTOR
atmosphere, and (3) the possible
effects on the lunar surface from
sputtering or electrical charging The Lunar Ionosphere Detec-
caused by solar corpuscular radi- tor (LID), Figure 10, will mea-
ation. sure the flux, number density,

17
velocity and energy intervals over

J00099Wt
a velocity range of 4 x 10 4 cm/sec
up to 9.35 x 10 6 cm/sec and an
energy range of 0.2 to 48.6 ev.
The distribution of ion masses
up to 120 AMU can be determined
from these data. In addition,
the electric potential between
the LID and the local lunar sur-
fac: will be controlled by apply-
ing a known voltage between the
instrument and a ground plane be-
neath it. If local electric fields
exist, they will be offset at one
of the ground plane voltage steps.
By accumulating ion count data
at different ground potentials,
an estimate of local electric fields
and their effects on ion charac-
teristics can be made.
Figure 10 Lunar Ionosphere Detector
In addition to low-energy ions,
the LID will also measure the
number of particles of higher en-
velocity, and energy per unit charge ergies, primarily solar wind pro-
of positive ions in the vicinity tons. A separate detector counts
of the lunar surface. the number of particles in selec-
ted energy intervals between 10
The LID uses two curved plate and 3500 ev. The mass of these
analyzers to detect and count ions. particles cannot be determined be-
The low-energy analyzer has a velo- cause the detector does not have a
city filter of crossed electric velocity selector.
and magnetic fields. The velocity
filter passes ions with discrete The principal investigator
velocities and the curved plate for the LID is Dr. John Freeman
analyzer passes ions with discrete of Rice University.
energy, permitting determination
LUNAR ATMOSPHERE DETECTOR
of mass as well as number density.
The second curved plate analyzer, The Lunar Atmosphere Detector
without a velocity filter, detects (LAD) will provide data per-
higher energy particles, as in taining to the density of the lu-
the solar wind. The LID is em- nar ambient atmosphere. Of par-
placed on a wire mesh ground screen ticular interest will be any vari-
on the lunar surface and a' voltage ations of the particle density
is applied between the electronics associated with lunar phase or
and ground plane to monitor any solar activity. This instrument
electrical field effects. will also study the effects of
foreign material left by the LM
The LID will count the num- and the astronauts, and rate of
ber of low-energy ions in selected loss of contaminants.

18
The instrument used for these Earth's mantle. It will also pro-
measurements is a cold cathode vide data from which it is possi-
gauge which is mounted with the ble to reconstruct the temperature
LID on Apollo 12,14 and 15 but is profile of the subsurface layers
a separate unit on Apollo 13. The of the Moon and to determine
gauge produces an electrical cur- whether the melting point may be
rent which is proportional to the approached toward its interior.
measured atmosphere density. This
current is amplified and read out Earth heat flow measurements
as the instrument's scientific and measurements of the radioac-
data. The LAD is deployed from tive content of mantle-type rocks
its own subassembly on Apollo 13. indicate that between 10 -14 and
5 x 10 -14 watts are now being pro-
When the astronaut deploys duced by radioactive decay in each
the LID package, he removes the gram of mantle material. If meas-
LAD and emplaces it three to five urements indicate that a similar
feet away from the LID. An elec- rate of heat production exists
trical cable connects the cold on the Moon, there would be strong
cathode gauge instrument to the evidence for concluding a compo-
LID . sitional similarity between the
Moon and the Earth.
The LAD package has an Earth
weight of 12.5 pounds and requires The FIFE, shown in Figure 11,
6.5 watts of operating power, in- consists of two sensor probes and
cluding power for temperature con- a common electronics package. Two
trol during the lunar night. one-inch diameter, 10-foot holes
will be drilled into the lunar
The principal investigator surface by the Apollo astronaut.
for the LAD is Dr. Francis This will be accomplished by a
Johnson of Southwest Center for specially designed heat flow drill.
Advanced Studies. Mr. Dallas Evans A two-section probe approximately
of the Manned Spacecraft Center/ 45 inches long will be lowered
NASA is the co-investigator- into each of the two holes. The
probes contain sensors to measure
absolute temperature and temper-
ature difference. Thermal conduc-
HEAT FLOW EXPERIMENT tivity is investigated by meas-
uring absolute and differential
temperatures while actuating small
The Heat Flow Experiment (HFE) electric heaters in the probes.
measures the lunar temperature
profile at depths up to 10 feet The Apollo Lunar Surface Drill
and the value of the Moon's ther- (ALSD), Figure 12, allows the as-
mal conductivity over the same tronaut to implant heat flow tem-
depth. From these measurements, perature probes below the lunar
information may be deduced regard- surface and to collect subsurface
ing the net outward flux of heat core material.
from the Moon's interior and the
radioactive content of the Moon's The ALSD is designed as a sys-
interior compared to that of the tem which can be removed as a single

19
I
l
Dui

Figure 11 Heat Flow Experiment

package from the ALSEP pallet and The holes are cased to prevent
carried to the drilling site. There cave-in and to facilitate inser-
it will be used to drill two holes. tion of the probes of the Heat
Flow Experiment. The subsurface
core material from the second hole
will be retained in the drill
string and returned to Earth in
a sample return container.

The drill is a hand held, bat-


tery powered rotary percussion
unit which is designed to operate
with minimum torque reaction. When
being used, the drill will main-
tain low temperatures at the drill
bit so no coolant such as air or
water will be needed.

The principal investigator


for the HFE is Dr. Marcus G.
Langseth of Columbia University.
Assisting as co-principal investi-
Figure 12 Apollo Lunar Surface Drill gators are Dr. Sidney Clarke of

20
Yale University and R.M. Eugene the solar wind between the Moon
Simmons of Massachusetts Institute and the Sun. The detailed physi-
of Technology. cal processes occurring at such
a shock front are largely not un-
CHARGED-PARTICLE LUNAR ENVIRONMENT EXPERIMENT
derstood, and they are of consider-
able interest in fundamental plas-
ma research. If there is such
The Charged-Particle Lunar a shock front near the moon, the
Environment Experiment (CPLEE), CPLEE will detect the disordered
Figure 13, will study the energy or thermalized fluxes of electrons
distribution and time variations and protons on the downstream side
of proton and electron fluxes in of the shock front.
18 energy intervals over the range
of about 50 to 150,000 electron
volts. At times of the full Moon, when
the Moon is in the "magnetic tail"
of the Earth, the CPLEE will de-
-s tect the accelerated electrons
and protons that cause auroras
when they plunge into the terres-
trial atmosphere. These accele-
ration procresses are not under-
stood, and their simultaneous ob-
servation near Earth and the Moon
is essential for detailed study.

9
The CPLEE will also measure
the lower-energy solar cosmic rays
occasionally produced in solar
eruptions or flares. The Moon
is an excellent platform for such
studies, since both its atmosphere
and magnetic field are relatively
negligible.

The CPLEE consists of two de-


Figure 13 Charged-Particle Lunar Environment Experiment tector packages (analyzers); one
oriented vertically and the other
60 0 from the vertical. Each de-
The lunar surface may be bom- tector package has six particle
barded by electrons and protons detectors. Five of these detec-
of the solar wind. This wind is tors provide information about
caused by the expansion of the the particle's energy distribution,
outer gaseous envelope of the Sun while the sixth detector provides
into interplanetary space. Because high sensitivity at low particle
the solar wind is supersonic and fluxes. The particles are deflec-
the Moon is a large body, it is ted by an electrical field inside
possible that, at times, there the instrument into one of the
may be a standing shock front of six detectors, depending on the

21
energy and polarity of the par- 0.1S pound and contains three
ticles. The instrument also in- photocells and thermistors. The
cludes electronics for recording package is mounted on top of the
the particle counts and providing Central Station sunshield with
data to the Data Subsystem. the photocells facing the ecliptic
path of the Sun. Each cell is
The CPLEE weighs approximately protected by a blue filter to cut
four and one-half pounds (Earth off ultraviolet wavelengths below
weight) and requires 4.78 watts 0.4 micron and a cover slide for
of operating power, including power protection against radiation dam-
to maintain temperature control age. Attached to the rear of each
during lunar night. photocell is a thermistor to moni-
tor the individual cell's temper-
The principal investigator for ature. The temperature of each
the CPLEE is Dr. Brian J. O'Brien photocell, compared to the antici-
of Rice University. pated value for exposure at a given
solar angle, is a measure of dust
DUST DETECTOR accretion and insulating values.
The electronics for the Dust De-
The Dust Detector (Figure 14) tector weigh approximately 0.10
will measure the accumulation and pound, and are mounted within
effect of lunar dust accretion the thermally-controlled Central
over the ALSEP Central Station. Station electronics assembly.
It is a 1.75-x 1.75-x 2.63-inch
sensor unit, weighs approximately DATA SUBSYSTEM

ALSEP communications are through


an helical antenna attached to
the Central Station. This type
of antenna obtains high gain over
a moderately narrow beam width.
When deployed on the lunar surface,
the antenna will be aimed at the
Earth using a sun compass and ad-
justment knobs. The Data Sub$ys-
tem is located in the base of the
Central Station (Figures 15 and
16) .

The diplexer and switch com-


ponent of the Data Subsystem pro-
vides interference protection be-
tween the transmitter and receiver
components at the ALSEP antenna.
It also permits alternate connec-
tion of either of two transmitters
to the antenna. Command data (up-
link) are received by the helical
antenna and go to the command re-
Figure 14 Dust Detector ceiver which demodulates the input

22
DOWNLINK
(SCIENTIFIC & ENGINEERING
UPLINK (COMMANDS) DATA)

ANTENNA

COMMAND TRANSMITTER
RECEIVER & SW ITCH I (A AND B)

POWER
DISTRIBUTION
UNIT

CM
ECODER
DO I PROCE SOR

COMMANDS TO ELECTRICAL SCIENTIFIC AND


EXPERIMENT AND POWER ENGINEERING DATA
SUPPORT SUBSYSTEMS TO ALL FROM EXPERIMENT
SUBSYSTEMS AND SUPPORT SUBSYSTEMS

Figure 15 Data Subsystem Simplified Block Diagram

carrier signal and provides a mod- converted into eight—bit digital


ulated subcarrier output to the words and combined with other dig-
command decoder. The command de- ital data into a prescribed telem-
coder processes the output, con- etry format. The formatted data
verts the command information in- are phase-modulated and routed
to digital format and decodes the to the transmitter, which ampli-
digital information into discrete fies, multiplies the subcarrier
ALSEP subsystem commands. Con- signals and, ultimately, sends
versely, data from ALSEP subsystems a 1.0-watt, S-band signal output
are routed to the data processor. to the helical antenna.
In addition to scientific data
from the experiments there are
engineering (housekeeping) data ELECTRICAL POWER SUBSYSTEM
inputs from the experiments and
supporting subsystems. Although The Electrical Power Subsystem
most ALSEP data are in digital provides all the electrical power
form, there are some analog data for ALSEP system operation on the
collected. The analog data are lunar surface for a period of at

23
1

Figure 17 Electrical Power Subsystem Generator Assembly

Figure 16 Central Station

least one year. The major compo-


nents include the generator as-
sembly (Figure 17), the fuel cap-
sule assembly, and the power con-
ditioning unit (PCU) which is lo-
cated in the Central Station. The
supporting components include the
graphite LM fuel cask (Figure 18),
the fuel cask mounting assembly,
and the fuel transfer tool.

The fuel capsule assembly (or


fuel "source") uses the nuclear
fuel Plutonium-238 and produces
1500 watts of thermal energy. When
the fuel capsule assembly is com-
bined with the generator assembly
to form the SNAP-27 Radioisotope
Thermoelectric Generator (RTG),
at least 63 watts are converted
by thermocouples from thermal en- Figure 18 Fuel Cask Assembly
ergy to electrical energy and sup-
plied (at + 16 VDC nominal) to
the PCU.

24
Thermocouples, which are nor-
mally used individually to sense
temperature by converting heat
to electricity, are grouped in
such numbers that a useful amount
of electrical power is generated.
The PCU accepts the primary + 16
VDC source voltage from the RTG r ^^
and performs conversion and regu-
lation functions to produce six
output voltages: -12 VDC, -6 VDC,
-5 VDC, +12 VDC, +15 VDC and
+29 VDC. The six output voltages
are supplied to the PCU of the
Data Subsystem where all switching
and distribution functions are
performed.

Engineering data on PCU "house-


keeping" functions, and six key
temperatures of the RTG, are pro-
vided to the Data Subsystem for
transmission in the ALSEP telem-
etry to the MSFN Earth receiving
stations.

The graphite LM fuel cask is


designed to carry the fuel cap- Figure 19 Astronaut Inserting Fuel Capsule into RTG
sule assembly during Earth-to-
Moon transit. It provides for structure and thermal control com-
intact re-entry of the fuel cap- ponents of ALSEP subsystem equip-
sule in the event of mission abort. ment. The function of this Sub-
system is to provide structural
confinement of the ALSEP subpack-
As one of the initial ALSEP
ages within the predetermined space
deployment tasks, the astronaut
allocation and weight restrictions
transfers the fuel capsule from
of the LM, and to ensure structural
the cask to the generator (Fig-
and thermal protection of ALSEP
ure 19). The fuel cask mounting
equipment in the lunar environment
assembly is tilted for access to ( - 300 °F to +2500F).
the cask and the fuel transfer
tool is used to effect a trans-
Since each experiment has its
fer. Thermal equilibrium (i.e.,
own structure and, in general,
full power) of the RTG is reached
it own thermal control, the pri-
in approximately 1.5 hours.
mary components of the ALSEP
Structure/Thermal Subsystem sup-
STRUCTURE/THERMAL SUBSYSTEM port the Data Subsystem and the
Electrical Power Subsystem. Ad-
The Structure/Thermal Sub- ditional components serve to se-
system consists of the support cure the experiments to supporting

25
structure (and thus to the LM) The fully deployed configura-
during the severe loads of launch tion of subpackage 1, called
and landing. the Central Station (see Figure
16), has its electronics packages
Subpackage 1, as stowed mounted on the underside of a ther-
for flight to the Moon, carries mal radiator plate and surrounded
three experiments and the antenna (bottom and four sides) by an in-
on a honeycomb pallet which is sulating thermal blanket. The
used as a sunshield during lunar blanket prevents heat losses from
operations. The sunshield is fas- the electronics compartment at
tened to the primary structure, night or gains during lunar day
a shallow box having a forged- through any side except the radi-
aluminum outer frame, which houses ator plate. The plate serves as
the Data Subsystem. the main heat path, allowing radi-
ative losses from the plate to
Subpackage 2 has an alum- space. The radiator plate (and
inum pallet as the main structural attached electronics packages) are
member. The unfueled RTG (gener- further isolated from the lunar
ator assembly) is permanently at- surface day/night thermal cycles
tached to the pallet. Temporarily by the reflectors mounted between
attached, in the stowed config- the plate and the sunshield. Fi-
uration, is a subpallet carrying nally, the sunshield and curtains
the antenna aiming mechanism, the prevent direct solar energy from
Lunar Ionosphere Detector Experi- striking the thermal radiator plate
ment, and ALSEP astronaut tools. and adding to the lunar-day heat
Also attached, with quick release loads.
fasteners, are the Apollo Lunar
Hand Tools (ALHT) in their car- ALSEP DEPLOYMENT
rier - ready for astronaut use
during lunar geological explora- The conditions of the lunar
tions. environment during ALSEP deploy-
ment by the Apollo astronauts (tem-
Thermal control for the RTG perature extremes, vacuum, a one-
is assured by removing all other sixth gravitational pull, and ex-
equipment from the pallet (during treme light intensity) are moder-
ALSEP deployment) and locating ated by the Extravehicular Mobil-
the RTG at least 10 feet from other ity Unit (EMU) consisting of a
ALSEP equipment. pressure suit, thermal overgarment,
a helmet with multiple visors,
After removal of the sunshield- and a Portable Life Support Sys-
mounted experiments, the sunshield tem. Development of the EMU is
is raised approximately two feet independent of ALSEP but EMU char-
above its stowed position to pre- acteristics influenced the design
pare subpackage 1 for opera- of ALSEP handling features.
tion under lunar thermal condi-
tions. Spring-loaded tubular ex- REMOVE PACKAGES
tenders facilitate raising the
sunshield. Thermal curtains and ALSEP is inoperative during
reflectors automatically unfold its trip to the Moon. After land-
as the sunshield is raised. ing, it is deployed and activated

26
by a series of astronaut tasks ternate "suitcase" carry mode makes
together with a series of Earth use of individual handles on the
commands to the Data Subsystem subpackages.
from the Manned Space Flight Net-
work. The sequence of deploy- During the traverse the astro-
ment events is outlined in Fig- nauts will determine the most de-
ure 20. Deployment begins when sirable, site, beyond 300 feet from
ALSEP subpackages 1 and 2 are sep- the LM, to locate ALSEP. They
arately removed from the SEQ bay will be looking for a smooth area,
and lowered to the lunar surface. large enough to accommodate the
The astronaut opens the SEQ bay planned 100—foot separation be-
door on the Lunar Module, removes tween the magnetometer and the
the package restraints, and grasps LID; a level site, free from rub-
a deployment lanyard which is at- ble.
tached to a boom and one subpackage.
Pulling the lanyard extends the The specified distance assures
boom and allows the package to that there are no destructive LM
be withdrawn from the SEQ bay and ascent blast effects on ALSEP and
lowered to the Moon in a contin- also reflects the need to keep
uous motion. The other subpackage the astronaut at all times within
is similarly unloaded. a safe distance for return to the LM
in case of failure in his oxygen
supply.
TRANSFER FUEL
DEPLOY RTG
The radioisotope fuel capsule
is next transferred from the fuel At the end of the traverse,
cask (mounted on the LM exterior) the astronaut deploys the RTG by
to the generator mounted on sub- removing all other equipment from
package 2. This includes rotating subpackage 2 and placing it in its
the fuel cask to a horizontal po- upright position. The RTG-to-
sition, removing its dome and with- Central Station interconnecting
drawing the fuel capsule with the cable is connected to a receptacle
fuel transfer tool (FTT). Using located on subpackage 1.
the FTT as a handle, the astronaut
inserts the capsule into the gen- DEPLOY CENTRAL STATION
erator (refer to Figure 19), lock-
ing it in place with a twisting Subpackage 1, which contains
motion which also frees the FTT. the Central Station, is deployed
by placing it in an upright posi-
tion 10 feet from subpackage 2,
The Apollo astronauts next removing the experiments from the
carry ALSEP from 300 to 1000 feet sunshield, raising the sunshield,
to the final deployment site. The and installing the antenna.
primary transport mode uses the
antenna mast attached to the two Experiments are removed from
subpackages to form a "barbell" the sunshield by using a Universal
(Figure 21). A simple, slip-fit, Handling Tool (UHT) to release
trigger-actuated lock secures the the tie-down fasteners and to lift
mast to the subpackages. The al- the experiments to other locations.

27
MIN : SEC COMMANDER ACTIVITY LM PILOT ACTIVITY

00:00
REMOVE PKG N1 MONITOR FOR SAFETY
(54 SEC)

00:54 REPORT: PKG N1 OUT


00:55
RELOCATE PKG M1
(15 SEC)

MONITOR FOR SAFETY REMOVE PKG #2


(53 SEC)
02:02 REPORT: PKG #2 OUT

02:03 MONITOR FOR SAFETY RELOCATE PKG N2


(11 SEC)
REMOVE ALHT
(42 SEC)
TENTATIVE
CLOSE SEQ BAY DOOR
(01 MIN)
REMOVE & DEPLOY ALSEP
TOOLS
OBTAIN & STOW GEOLOGICAL (01 MIN 30 SEC)
TOOLS
(42 SEC)
04:26 REPORT: READY FOR FUEL
TRANSFER
04:27 CONTINUE STOWING
GEOLOGICAL TOOLS
ROTATE PKG f2 UPRIGHT &
REMOVE SUBPALLET
(40 SEC)
MONITOR FOR SAFETY & ROTATE FUEL CASK
SUPPLY TOOLS (43 SEC)
ENTATIVE REMOVE CASK DOME
(26 SEC)
TRANSFER FUEL CAPSULE
(01 MIN 08 SEC)
07:24 REPORT: RTG FUELED

07:25 ASSEMBLE BARBELL


RETRIEVE SUBPALLET CONFIGURATION
(16 SEC) (27 SEC)
0752 REPORT: START OF TRAVERSE
07:53 CARRY SUBPALLET & ALHT
LEAD TRAVERSE CARRY BARBELL
PICK ROUTE 1
REST AS NECESSARY REST AS NECESSARY
(5 MIN 52 SEC) (5 MIN 52 SEC)
13:45 REPORT: TRAVERSE COMPLETE — -r•

Figure 20 ALSEP Deployment Timeline

28
MIN : SEC COMMANDER ACTIVITY LM PILOT ACTIVITY
13:46
TEMPORARILY EMPLACE DEPLOY MAST/PKG M1
SUBPALLET & ALHT (22 SEC)
(14 SEC)
ITE N T V
DEPLOY PKG M2
(01 MIN 10 SEC) MONITOR FOR SAFETY

CONNECT RTG TO CENT STA


(02 SEC)
15:12 : RTG PLUG IN
15:13
DISCONNECT & STOW MAST REMOVE LID/LAD &
(01 MIN) CONNECT CABLE
(41 SEC)
ACTIVATE RTG SW
(2 SEC)
16:13
16:14
ROTATE PKG #1 DEPLOY PSE STOOL
(14 SEC) (18 SEC)

RELEASE SWS
(32 SEC)
RELEASE PSE DEPLOY SWS
(32 SEC) (01 MIN 22 SEC)

REMOVE LSM
(54 SEC) REPORT: ALIGNMENT COMPLETE
DEPLOY PSE
(01 MIN 05 SEC)
RELEASE SUNSHIELD
(03 MIN)
REPORT: ALIGNMENT VALUES
DEPLOY LSM
(02 MIN 34 SEC)
DEPLOY SUNSHIELD
(53 SEC) REPORT: ALIGNMENT VALUES
ASSEMBLE ANTENNA DEPLOY LID
(02 MIN 06 SEC) (03 MIN 42 SEC)
CONFIRM: AZ/EL SETTING I
(02 MIN 07 SEC)
ACTUATE SW-1 OBTAIN METRIC
PHOTOGRAPHS OF
REQUEST: XMTR ON DEPLOYED ALSEP
IF ALSEP DOES NOT RESPO D
ACTUATE SW -2 AND SW-3

REPORT: SW POSITIONS


RETURN TO LM RETURN TO LM

Figure 20 (Continued)

29
2. Aligning the antenna aim-
ing mechanism with respect
to a shadow; i.e., estab-
lishing an East-West ref-
erence. This alignment
uses an adjusting knob,
shadow post, and paint
pattern

3. Entering coarse and fine


elevation settings in the
aiming mechanism using an
adjustment knob with two
scales

4. Entering coarse and fine


azimuth settings in the
same manner.

Values for these settings are ob-


tained from pointing tables which
depend on lunar latitude and longi-
tude and may be relayed to the
astronaut from the Earth. The
Figure 21 Barbell Carry Mode
astronauts report completion of
alignment and request Earth com-
After the experiments are re- mands for ALSEP activation.
moved, additional tie-down fasten-
ers holding the sunshield are re- DEPLOY EXPERIMENTS
leased using the UHT. Spring-
loaded tubular extenders raise Figure 22 shows ALSEP as it
the sunshield and the thermal cur- will be deployed for Apollo 12.
tains unfold automatically along
with the reflectors.

The Passive Seismic Experiment


Antenna installation involves is emplaced ten feet East (or
attaching the assembled mast to West) of the Central Station, dir-
the Central Station, mounting the ectly opposite the RTG. The astro-
aiming mechanism on the mast, and naut places the sensor assembly
installing the antenna on the aim- on a small stool, deploys the ther-
ing mechanism. Antenna alignment mal shroud, levels the sensor on
is accomplished in four steps: the stool (within 5°), reports
the shadow alignment, and returns
to the Central Station.
1. Leveling the base of the
antenna aiming mechanism The Solar Wind Experiment is
using thumb screws and an placed 14 feet South of the Cen-
integral bubble level tral Station. The astronaut

30
- 300-FT MINIMUM BASED ON
LM ASCENT BLAST WITH
100 % SAFETY FACTOR

PASSIVE SEISMIC

2a RTG 10 FT
10 FT =
50 FT ^/,/p

13 FT
MAGNETOMETER
1 ` SOLAR WIND
55 FT S PECTROMETER

LUNAR
^E
IONOSPHERE
DETECTOR
W
LUNAR ATMOSPHERE DETECTOR

Figure 22 ALSEP Deployment

extends its legs, sets the instru- The astronaut will then report
ment on the lunar surface, and the alignment and return to the
aligns it relative to a shadow Central Station.
pattern.
The astronaut next carries
the Lunar Ionosphere Detector 55
The Lunar Surface Magnetometer feet, simultaneously deploying
is placed 55 feet from the Central the interconnecting cable, to a
Station in a direction away from position at least 80 feet from
the LM. Its interconnecting cable the Magnetometer. Before emplac-
is deployed during the 55-foot ing the LID, the astronaut re-
traverse. Upon arrival at the moves a wire mesh "ground plane"
magnetometer location, the astro- and places it on the lunar surface.
naut unfolds the legs, places the Next, the astronaut removes the
instrument on the surface in ap- Lunar Atmosphere Detector from the
proximately the proper East-West LID and places it off the edge
alignment, unfolds the booms which of the ground plane in a direction
carry the sensors, and makes final away from the Central Station and
leveling and alignment adjustments. the LM. Finally, he lowers the

31
instrument to the surface, in the Drill, two holes are drilled ap-
center of the screen, and levels proximately one-inch diameter and 10
and aligns it. A bubble level feet deep. The 45-inch-long probes
and shadows are used for establish- are placed in the bottoms of the
ing alignment. drilled holes by means of a spe-
cial tool. The probes are con-
The second and third flights nected by cables to an electron-
of ALSEP contain different experi- ics package which is, in turn,
ments as shown in Table 2. cable-connected to the Central
Station. The astronaut places
If the Active Seismic Experi- the electronics package on the
ment is included, the mortar box surface with a prescribed align-
assembly is deployed first. It ment which satisfies thermal (sun-
is placed 10 feet from the Central shield) requirements.
Station, pointing away from the
anticipated geophone line. The The Charged-Particle Lunar
thumper/geophone assembly is then Environment Experiment is emplaced
carried along the preselected line
ten feet from the Central Station.
The geophone cable has three geo- The astronaut will set it on the
phone detectors wired to it in lunar surface, level the instru-
such a way that the astronaut can ment to within ± 5 degrees of ver-
insert the geophones in the lunar tical, and align it to within
surface at distances of 10 feet, ± 2 degrees with respect to shadow
160 feet, and 310 feet from the lines on the instrument.
Central Station. When the astro-
naut returns along the geophone With the ALSEP deployed and
cable he fires the cartridge-actu- activated, the astronauts may return
ated thumper at 15-foot intervals to the LM or continue other lunar
(21 cartridges). surface mission tasks such as geo-
logical surveys.
Deployment of the Heat Flow
Experiment requires the drilling
of holes for the heat flow probes.
Using the Apollo Lunar Surface

32
ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation Definition

A/D Analog to Digital

AEC Atomic Energy Commission

ALGE Apollo Lunar Geological Equipment

ALHT Apollo Lunar Hand Tools

ALSD Apollo Lunar Surface Drill

ALSEP Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package

AMU Atomic Mass Unit

ASE Active Seismic Experiment

ASI Apollo Standard Initiator

CCGE Cold Cathode Gauge Experiment

CCIG Cold Cathode Ion Gauge

CPLEE Charged-Particle Lunar Environment Experiment

EMU Extravehicular Mobility Unit

Eng. Engineering

HFE Heat Flow Experiment

LM Lunar Module

LSM Lunar Surface Magnetometer

MCC Mission Control Center

Mod Modulated

MSFN Manned Space Flight Network

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

PCU Power Conditioning Unit

PWR Power

R.F. Radio Frequency

RTG Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator

33
Abbreviation Definition

Sci Science

SEQ bay Scientific Equipment Bay

SIDE Suprathermal Ion Detector Experiment

SRC Sample Return Containers

SWS Solar Wind Spectrometer

UHT Universal Handling Tool

34

You might also like