TD-1A
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|
| Mission type | Astrophysics |
|---|---|
| Operator | ESRO |
| COSPAR ID | 1972-014A |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 473 kilograms (1,043 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 12 March 1972, 01:55:08 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta N D88 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-2E |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | 9 January 1980 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee | 525 kilometres (326 mi) |
| Apogee | 544 kilometres (338 mi) |
| Inclination | 97.5 degrees |
| Period | 95.32 minutes |
TD-1A, or Thor-Delta 1A, was a European astrophysical research satellite which was launched in 1972. Operated by the European Space Research Organisation, TD-1A made astronomical surveys primarily in the ultraviolet, but also using x-ray and gamma ray detectors.
TD-1A was named after the Thor-Delta series of rockets, a derivative of which was used to launch it. It was a 473-kilogram (1,043 lb) satellite which measured 100 centimetres (39 in) by 90 centimetres (35 in) by 220 centimetres (87 in). The spacecraft was three-axis stabilised, with sun sensors used to maintain a constant attitude with respect to the Sun.
Seven instruments were carried aboard TD-1A, with a combined mass of 120 kilograms (260 lb).
The Stellar UV Radiation Experiment, operated by University College London and the University of Liège, consisted of a 1.4-metre (4 ft 7 in) ultraviolet telescope, attached to a spectrometer. It was used to study extinction and to produce a star catalogue using ultraviolet observations. UV range 135 to 255 nm.
The UV Stellar Spectrometer was operated by the Astronomical Institute of Utrecht University. It consisted of a grating spectrometer attached to a 26 centimetres (10 in) Cassegrain reflector telescope. UV measurements at 216, 255 & 286nm.
Spectrometry of Primary Charged Particles was an experiment conducted by the Saclay Nuclear Research Centre, which studied cosmic rays, and measured their charge spectra.
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