Uhuru (satellite)
Called Uhuru ( Swahili for freedom ), also known as Explorer 42, SAS A (Small Astronomical Satellite A) and SAS -1 was the first satellite to be looked at through the sky all the way to X-ray sources. It was launched on 12 December 1970, a Scout rocket from the located off the coast of Kenya San Marco platform and arrived in orbit around the Earth 531-572 km altitude. Thus, this was the first satellite NASA mission that was started by the U.S. area. A Launch from Cape Canaveral, for example, would have a greater launcher made necessary because an inclination of 3.0 ° was provided.
Prior to the start about 40 astronomical X-ray sources were known. The satellite detected the first time the entire sky; he cataloged about 300 objects. The diffuse X-ray glow of galaxies and the first X-ray binaries was discovered by Uhuru, including Hercules X-1, a portion of which white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes, as they radiate in the X-ray range, while accommodating the matter of her partner.
The mission ended in March 1973; six years later Uhuru entered the Earth's atmosphere and burned up.
Sensors
Uhurus X-ray receiver consisted of a sheet of lead which was crossed by many parallel holes, behind which there was a sensor for X-rays. Only X-rays in the direction of the bores auftrafen could reach the sensor. However, the resolution of this arrangement was worse than that of the human eye.
Today, X-ray telescopes (see also Wolter telescope) brought to Earth orbit to explore the sky in X-rays.
Swell
- NASA: The Uhuru satellite ( English)
- NSSDC: Uhuru (English)
- Germany radio broadcast: "Computer and Communications | Stardate December 11, 2010 " 11 December 2010 16:57