A seismograph for lunar experiments

Abstract

Prompted by instrument requirements for the Ranger series of lunar landings, a seismometer capable of hard landings on the moon has been developed. Survival of 3000G impacts has been achieved. The instrument includes devices for automatic adjustment of the suspended mass position and for generation of pulses to verify the performance. The complete system of seismometer, Ranger telemetry transmitter, and earth-based receiver and recorder has resulted in a seismograph system having a maximum magnification of 1.7×106.