ATS-6 flight accelerometers

Five accelerometers mounted near the adapter base of the Titan 3-C launch vehicle and three on the hub of the ATS-F spacecraft provided (1) data for verifying basic spacecraft mode shapes and frequencies during powered flight while attached to the launch vehicle; (2) failure mode detection and diagnostic information on in-flight anomalies; and (3) data to be used in the design of future spacecraft to be flown on the Titan 3-C. Because data from the instruments mounted on the spacecraft hub passed through an in-flight disconnect at the separation plane between the transtage and ATS-F, the moment this connector was broken, the signal to the telemetry system showed a step function change. By monitoring these telemetry traces on the ground at appropriate times during flight sequences, a positive indication of spacecraft separation was obtained. Flight data showing dynamic response at spacecraft launch vehicle interface and at the top of ATS spacecraft during significant launch events are presented in tables.