Also called:
Space Electric Rocket Test
Date of launch (location):
February 3, 1970 (Western Test
Range)
Launch vehicle:
Thorad-Agena
Shape:
Cylindrical with large solar
array
Weight (kg):
1500
Cognizant NASA center:
Lewis Research Center
Objectives:
To operate electric ion thruster
system in space for six months; determine variation of
thruster power efficiency; measure extent of coupling
between ion beam and space plasma; measure magnitude of ion
engine's thrust; measure long-term effects of ion thruster
efflux on silicon-cell solar array.
Results:
Mission judged unsuccessful; apparent
electrical shorts in the high-voltage system caused the ion
thrusters to cease functioning. Thruster I operated 3782
hours; Thruster 2, 2011 hours (goal was 4383 hours).
Secondary objectives were met; mission contributed to
advancement of ion systems.
Reference: NASA, Lewis Research Center, "SERT II Press Kit," 70-2, Jan. 30, 1970.