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Weapons Research Establishment Project WRESAT (1967)

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clip Preparation of the satellite

Original classification rating: not rated. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

The clip shows the various scientific instruments, predominantly for upper atmospheric research, to be carried by WRESAT, as well as the final laboratory work conducted to ensure successful orbit.

Curator’s notes

by Adrienne Parr

The scientific instrumentation carried by WRESAT followed on from previous upper atmospheric research that had been conducted at Woomera using sounding rockets. Among other things, WRESAT’s sensors and detectors measured solar radiation and its effects on temperature and composition of the upper atmosphere. The satellite was able to collect atmospheric information covering the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere and the mid-latitudes of the southern hemisphere – areas where measurements hadn’t previously been taken.

The clip shows the work carried out to ensure the instrumentation would function unimpeded. Procedures to minimise temperature fluctuations within the satellite are carried out, and, as a particle of dust in a relay could mean failure, attention is paid to cleanliness. Once the satellite was ready, it was transported to Orroral Valley Tracking Station for final checking on its compatibility with Orroral’s receiving equipment. Orroral Valley, about 40 kilometres from Canberra, was one of three tracking stations built by NASA in the mid-1960s.

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions.

When you access australianscreen you agree that:

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  • You may embed the clip for non-commercial educational purposes including for use on a school intranet site or a school resource catalogue.
  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

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