Analysis of the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) helium venting through effects on the orbitAn analysis is described which shows that a helium venting thrust level that is 60 percent higher than the predicted 2.3 millinewtons may be the cause of the unusually high premission-analysis and on-orbit support orbital decay rates and drag correction factors found for the Cosmic Background Explorer satellite. Depletion of the helium allowed a determination of the average mass flow rate and specific impulse. The average mass flow rate of 3.3 mg/sec confirmed the thrust levels indicated by the venting thrust analysis. Liquid helium is used for cooling instruments aboard the satellite.
Document ID
19920060696
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cox, C. M. (Computer Sciences Corp. Lanham, MD, United States)
Marr, G. C. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Defazio, R. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)