Also called:
Applications Technology Satellite;
ATS E
Date of launch (location):
Aug. 12, 1969 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Atlas-Centaur
Weight (kg):
431
Shape:
Cylindrical with booms extending from
its sides and an apogee motor extending from one end
Dimensions (m):
1.4 diameter
1.8 length
Power source:
Solar panels and 2 NiCd
batteries
Responsible NASA Center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Prime contractor:
Hughes Aircraft Company GE
Company-Gravity Gradient Experiment
Project manager:
Robert J. Darcey
Project scientist:
T. L. Aggson
Objectives:
Conduct gravity gradient experiment
directed toward providing basic design information; conduct
secondary experiments (communications, applications, and
scientific).
Fields of investigation:
Communications
Stabilization and pointing
technology
Orbital technology
Space environment degradation
Results:
Partially successful; excessive
motion caused the spacecraft to spin transversely in its
transfer orbit; after motor case was ejected, the spacecraft
established the proper spin but in the wrong direction. The
gravity gradient experiments could not be performed; only
some secondary experiments could be conducted.
Reference: NASA, "ATS 5 Mission Operations Report," S-630-69-05, Aug. 6, 1969.