Also called:
Copernicus
Date of launch (range):
Aug. 21, 1972 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Atlas-Centaur
Shape:
octagonal cylinder with 2 solar
panels
Weight (kg):
2200
Dimensions (m):
3.0, length
2.13, width; 6.4 with solar panels
extended
Power source:
solar array plus NiCd
batteries
Prime contractor:
Grumman
Reentry date:
In orbit 1985
Responsible NASA center:
GSFC
Project manager:
Purcell
Project scientist:
Kupperian
Objectives:
To obtain high-resolution spectra of
a number of stars in the ultraviolet range between 1000 and
3000 1 to investigate the composition, density, and physical
state of matter in interstellar space and stellar
sources
Experiments:
(responsible organization):
Princeton Experiment Package:
80-cm Cassegrainian telescope and
photoelectric spectrometer (Princeton Univ.)
X-ray
(University College, London)
Results:
Successful; ceased functioning in
1980.
Reference: MOR S-831-70-03, Oct. 14, 1970; and NASA Hq. Release 70-174, "OAO-B Press Kit," Oct. 29, 1970.