Sealing scientific probes against deep space and the Venusian environment A tough jobThe Pioneer Venus mission evolved from studies conducted during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was found that a need existed for low cost orbiters and landers to explore the planet. The considered mission was to be accomplished with six separate vehicles arriving at Venus nearly simultaneously in mid-December 1978. The probes are designed to survive entry and descent into the atmosphere. A description is presented of the approaches used to maintain sealing integrity for the large and small probes under the constraints imposed by the harsh Venusian environment. Attention is given to probe vehicle configuration, pressure vessel sealing requirements, material and configuration considerations, permanent seals, separable seals, development problems, and aspects of seal testing.
Document ID
19790040127
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Pokras, J. (Hughes Aircraft Co. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Reinert, R. P. (Hughes Aircraft Co. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Switz, R. J. (Hughes Aircraft Co., Space and Communications Group, El Segundo Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Materials synergisms; Tenth National Technical Conference