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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
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.
