Detection of electromagnetic and electrostatic waves on OV3-3

Abstract

The TRW Systems electric field experiment on the USAF-Aerospace Corporation spacecraft OV3-3 (1966–70A) has one broadband channel and four bandpass channels covering the frequency range 20 Hz to 7.35 kHz, plus an onboard E, B correlator, which operates at a frequency of 400 Hz. The E-field sensor is a short boom-mounted asymmetric dipole that detects electric oscillations in the spacecraft equatorial plane. Examination of the angular distributions, and the loop and correlator response, allows electrostatic and electromagnetic waves to be distinguished. Details of the method of operation of the electric field sensor and related instrumentation are given, and preliminary results from the bandpass channels are displayed and discussed.