Inflatable satellite. This inflatable grid-sphere balloon was used as a space reflector in Earth orbit for relaying long distance communications. It consisted of an aluminium wire grid embedded in a plastic that was designed to disintegrate when exposed to strong ultraviolet rays. It had a diameter of nine meters. Once in orbit the balloon automatically inflated and the plastic began to dissolve,eventually leaving just the aluminium mesh. Although the mesh design was chosen over a solid one to increase orbital stability,it was shown to have a reflective power five times greater than that of a solid sphere | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / US Air Force |
Bildgröße: | 3312 px × 2639 px |
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Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |