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ALSEP Press Backgrounder. Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package
ALSEP Press Backgrounder. Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package
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Backgrounder
Apollo
Lunar
Surface CASE FiLE
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FOREWORD
ALSEP was to have been flown PSEP. Movement of PSEP components
on Apollo 11. Because of time and may have been great enough to simu-
distance constraints, astronauts late seismic activity; similarly,
Armstrong and Aldrin were given the scientists are unwilling to con-
Early Apollo Scientific Experiments clude whether or not there is tec-
.
Package (EASEP), which could be de- tonic activity based on the rela-
ployed 70 feet from the Lunar Mod- tively short period during which
ule in about 10 minutes. PSEP was reporting.
` Title Page
Introduction 1
Lunar Exploration 1
Exploration Objectives 1
Dust Detector 22
Structural/Thermal Subsystem 25
ALSEP Deployment 26
Remove Packages 26
CONTENTS (CONT. )
w
Title Page
Transfer Fuel 27
Deploy RTG 27
Deploy Central Station 27
Deploy Experiments 30
Abbreviations 33
ILLUSTRATIONS
iv
TABLES
Page
Table Title
6
ALSEP System Objectives
2
SUBPACKAGE 1 SUBPACKAGE 2
3
advanced scientific study in areas The extent of layer exposure
of the solar wind, lunar atmosphere that exists on the Moon is also
and magnetic fields. of scientific interest. On the
Earth, this exposure results from
erosion or man's excavation. Ex-
ALSEP INSTRUMENT OBJECTIVES posure may occur on the Moon in
regions of faulting and may pro-
Lunar studies will lead to vide scientists an opportunity to
a better understanding of the geol- study the layering of the rock as
ogy and geophysics of the Earth it occurs in depth. It is only
and will have a major impact on with this exposure and the use of
the evaluation of contemporary the ALSEP instruments (particu-
theories of lunar and Earth evo- larly the seismic instruments)
lution. Measurements of physical that scientists will be able to
properties of the lunar surface determine lunar subsurface charac-
and interior are not ends in them- teristics.
selves; they are important also
The ALSEP seismic instruments
in that they reveal the structure,
will allow a definitive study of
composition, and state of the
the structure and tectonic activi-
Moon's interior and will help to
ty of the Moon. Two expected
explain its surface features.
sources of lunar seismic energy,
moonquakes and meteroid impacts,
were not definitely detected by
In a broader sense, studies
EASEP. Thus there is still no
of the Moon gain significance when
clear evidence to prove whether the
viewed in the context of an evol-
moon is seismically active or in-
ving program of planetary explor-
active.
ation directed toward information
related to the origin and develop- Supposing that there are moon-
ment of the solar system. quakes; as the number of recorded
seismic events increases, the com-
pressional and shear velocity struc-
One of the most interesting ture of the Moon may be revealed
questions to be explored with the with a precision dependent upon
ALSEP instruments will be whether the number, type, and distribution
or not the Moon evolved in the of quakes. Scientists may then
same pattern as is now believed be able to answer such basic ques-
for the Earth. On the Earth, rock tions as: (1) Is the internal struc-
formations include granite and ture of the Moon radially symmet-
basalt - both with an almost be- rical as the Earth, and, if so,
wildering variety of mineral com- is it differentiated? (2) Does
binations. The lunar geophysical the Moon have a core and a crust?
information we have thus far does and (3) Is the Moon's core fluid
not permit scientists to determine or solid?
whether similar lunar differenti-
ation exists. ALSEP instruments If the Moon turns out to be
and extensive exploration of the seismically inactive, we will have
lunar surface will provide infor- to rely upon meteoroid impacts
mation which may permit scientific and pyrotechnics to provide seis-
answers to this important question mic energy. The ALSEP active seismic
4
instrument will provide valu- therefore, directly relevant to
able lunar data resulting from a study of the structure of the
artifically produced sources of Moon.
seismic energy. Recordings of
meteoroid impacts by an ALSEP pas- The occasional violent outbursts
sive seismometer will provide a of protons from the Sun (related
clear measure of meteoroid flux to the solar flares) can be stud-
density in the lunar environment. ied from the Moon in ways not pos-
Recorded meteoroid impacts should sible from the Earth. On the Earth,
range from the continuous rain the solar wind cannot be studied
of small particles very near the because the Earth's magnetic field
seismic instrument to the occasion- repels it. On the Moon, where the
al meteoroid of such great size magnetic field gradient is signif-
that its impact may be measurable icantly less, scientific measure-
at any point on the lunar surface. ment of solar wind particles with
ALSEP instruments will be possible.
Is the Moon's core a remnant Also, particles sent out by the
of a molten body formed during Sun set up currents through the
the same period as the Earth? If Moon which can be monitored by
the core does exist, and is still the ALSEP solar wind spectrometer.
hot, it may be sustained by insu- The characteristics of these cur-
lating layers of mantle or supple- rents will aid in determining the
mented by heat from radioactive conductivity of the Moon. Data
decay. The ALSEP heat flow experi- on the Moon's conductivity and
ment will determine the net flow its magnetic properties will give
of heat outward from the Moon's additional insight to the compo-
interior, and it may reveal the sition of the Moon.
existence of a hot core. Precise
measurements of the flow of the Finally, the role of the un-
interplanetary magnetic field expected must not be underrated.
through the Moon by an ALSEP mag- A series of scientific experiment
netometer instrument will tell instruments successfully deployed
if the Moon attracts or repels and operating on the lunar surface
this interplanetary field. The may reveal heretofore unexpected
data obtained from this experiment and perhaps inexplicable informa-
will aid scientists in interpre- tion. Indeed, the course of extra-
ting the internal composition of terrestrial exploration and our
the Moon. understanding of the forces in
the universe may change dramatic-
Determining the amount, com- ally as the ALSEP experiments re-
port their data.
position, and variation of the
lunar atmosphere will greatly con- The ALSEP objectives listed
tribute to lunar geophysical in- in Table 1 are accomplished by
formation. It is possible that eight experiment subsystems selec-
the lunar atmosphere is dominated ted by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration to be
by volcanism or other outgassing included as part of the ALSEP Sys-
processes. The atmospheric meas- tem. Weight and volume restric-
urements by ALSEP instruments are, tions and the achievement of optimum
TABLE 1
ALSEP SYSTEM OBJECTIVES
6
efficiency in over-all system Manned Space Flight Network (MSFN).
operation requires a division of ALSEP commands will originate with-
the experiment subsystems into in the Mission Control Center (MCC),
separate flight systems, each con- Houston, Texas, and will be for-
taining four experiments distrib- warded to the remote sites of the
uted as shown in Table 2. MSFN. At these same sites, telem-
etry data received from ALSEP will
TABLE 2 be forwarded to the MCC.
ALSEP DEPLOYMENT CONFIGURATIONS
The ALSEP telemetry system
(Figure 3) consists of two dis-
APOLLO 12 tinct links. The Earth-to-Moon
AND APOLLO APOLLO
Experiment Sub- link (the up-link) provides for
15 13 14
systems remote control of ALSEP command
Passive Seismic X X X functions such as experiment mode
Active Seismic X selection, transmitter selection,
Magnetometer X change of subsystem data rates
Solar Wind X and subsystem operation flexibil-
Lunarlono- X X ities (turn-on, turn-off, etc.).
sphere Detector
The Moon-to-Earth link (the down-
Heat Flow X link) provides for the transmis-
Charged- Particle X X sion of scientific and engineering
Lunar Environment
data from the ALSEP subsystems
Lunar Atmos- X
phere Detector to Earth receiving stations. Four
different data transmission fre-
quencies will be used to permit
ALSEP SYSTEM OPERATION simultaneous operation of four
separate ALSEP systems.
ALSEP is currently scheduled
to be included on the second
through fifth Apollo manned lu- ALSEP will be deployed by the
nar landings. The ALSEP system Apollo astronauts in a prescribed
objectives listed in Table 1 will arrangement. Each instrument will
be achieved through the use of be connected to the Central Sta-
eight scientific experiment instru- tion by flat, ribbon-like conduc-
ments and their supporting subsys- tor cabling. The Central Station
tems. The Apollo astronauts will consists of the transmitters and
place the experiment instruments receivers, the Data Subsystem,
and related subsystems on the lu- electronics for the seismic instru-
nar surface. While in operation ments, and a switch panel for sys-
on the Moon, the ALSEP system will tem activation by the astronaut.
be self-sufficient and use a Ra-
dioisotope Thermoelectric Genera- ALSEP SUPPORTING SUBSYSTEMS
tor (RTG) for electrical power.
It will collect, format, and trans- The ALSEP system consists of
mit scientific data to Earth for two subpackages and a fuel cask
a period of approximately one year assembly (Figure 4). One sub-
after the astronauts leave the package contains three of the
lunar surface. Communications experiment subsystems, the Data
will be maintained through the Subsystem, and a portion of the
COMMAND TELEMETRY
LINK LINK
LUNAR
ATMOSPHERE
DETECTOR
COMMANDS
POWER POWER DATA
SUBSYSTEM I ENG DATA SUBSYSTEM ACTIVE
OTHER SEISMIC
COMMANDS& TIMING ALSEPS
I—]
POWER TT_
D A HEAT
FLOW
LUNAR LUNAR
PASSIVE SOLAR WIND CHARGED
SURFACE IONOSPHERE
SEISMIC SPECTROMETER DETECTOR PARTICLE
MAGNETOMETER
EXPERIMENT SUBSYSTEMS
Electrical Power Subsystem. The feet and, together with the fuel
other subpackage contains the astro- cask assembly and lunar hand tools,
naut hand tools used for geologi- weigh approximately 280 pounds.
cal sampling, one of the experi- Quick-disconnect fasteners are
ment subsystems and the remainder provided for locking the ALSEP
of the Electrical Power Subsystem. subpackages in place in the SEQ
The fuel cask assembly is the trans- bay during Earth-to-Moon transit
portation container for the radio- and for easy removal by the astro-
active fuel capsule. naut during the lunar surface de-
ployment of ALSEP.
The two ALSEP subpackages will
be mounted within the Scientific ELECTRICAL POWER SUBSYSTEM
Equipment (SEQ) bay of the Lunar
Module (LM) for transit to the The fuel cask assembly is part
Moon. The SEQ bay is located in of the Electrical Power Subsystem.
the LM descent stage and is divi- It is mounted externally to the
ded into compartments which accept LM on the left side of the SEQ
the two ALSEP subpackages. The bay, adjacent to ALSEP subpackage
two ALSEP subpackages occupy a 1. When fueled with the ra-
volume of approximately 1S cubic dioactive fuel capsule, the fuel
8
FWD R
LM 1
\ 1 CENTERLINE
FUEL CASK l J
LOCATION
—FWD e
COMPART- COMPART-
MENT NO. I MENT NO. Z
o '^
AFT
LM SCIENTIFIC
EQUIPMENT BAY
10
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11
Figure 6 Passive Seismic Experiment
12
Sutton of the University of Hawaii, The thumper assembly is used
Dr. Frank Press of Massachusetts for investigation of material
Institute of Technology, and Dr. characteristics within a 75-foot
Maurice Ewing of Columbia Uni- depth of the lunar surface. It
versity are the co-investigators is about three feet long, and
for the experiment. will be folded for transportation.
The upper section contains elec-
ACTIVE SEISMIC EXPERIMENT tronics for the firing mechanism,
the cartridge barrel, and contact
Artificially produced seismic points. The lower section is
events (explosions) are a certain a hollow cylinder containing a
way of exploring the structure of plate which couples the energy
the moon, and will complement source to the lunar surface and
whatever findings are made by the imparts seismic waves to surface
Passive Seismic Experiments. materials for detection by the
geophones.
An active seismic survey
will provide information for de- The mortar box contains four
termining the structure, thick- explosive grenades to be activated
ness, physical properties, and by Earth command near the end
elasticity of surface and shallow- of the one—year operation on the
depth materials of the Moon. The lunar surface. About 15 inches
Active Seismic Experiment (Fig- long, it contains electronics
ure 7) uses explosive devices and grenade launching rockets and
detonated at various distances is designed to minimize the ef-
to measure the elastic properties fects of recoil. Since it is
of lunar subsurface material to necessary to know the distance
a depth of approximately 500 feet. from the geophone array at which
Seismic energy will be transmitted the grenade is detonated as well
through lunar subsurface material as the time of detonation, the
and detected by a geophone array. design provides for measurement
of grenade launch angle, grenade
The Active Seismic Experiment launch velocity, and time of flight.
contains the seismic energy sources
and the detection system. Two Refraction velocity surveys
energy sources will be employed: by the active seismic instrument
a mortar box assembly, from which will be used to study the subsur-
four explosive grenades will be face relations between the maria
launched to detonate at various and the highlands, possible inter-
distances up to 5000 feet from nal layering within the maria,
the geophone detectors, and a and the existence and nature of
"thumper" assembly containing isostatic lunar topographic fea-
21 explosive Apollo Standard In- tures. On a smaller scale, data
itiator (ASI) cartridges which on the thickness, strength and
will be activated by the astro- the variation of physical proper-
naut at specified locations along ties with depth in a possible
the geophone line. The detection surface fragmental layer is perti-
system is a linear array of three nent to a full interpretation
geophones together with ampli- of the fine structure of the lunar
fier systems and electronics. surface. It is also possible that
13
A
^s
MORTAR PACKAGE
THUMPER
Figure 7 Active Seismic Experiment
14
surface bearing strength and the the surface manifestations of this
degree of hardened subsurface mate- interior field during lunar day
rials may be inferred from active and night, it may be possible to
seismic refraction data. A con- infer the electrical conductivity
trolled active seismic survey and magnetic permeability of the
will also be of particular impor- lunar interior. These quantities
tance in the search for water on must depend upon the composition
the Moon. Local concentrations of the Moon and its internal tem-
of ice may be present on the lu- perature, and therefore are related
nar surface - beneath the depth to the origin and thermal history
of penetration of the diurnal heat of that body. If the Moon has
wave. A seismic velocity survey a small core of iron-like material,
could be used to detect the pres- magnetic field lines diffusing
ence or absence of buried ice lay- in from the solar wind should "hang
ers on the Moon. up" on the core and impede the
diffusion. It is possible, then,
The principal investigator to imagine a lunar magnetic field
for The Active Seismic Experiment streaming out through the Moon
is Dr. Robert Kovach of Stanford on its dark side, raising the pos-
University. The design approach sibility of utilizing the magne-
for the thumper assembly is that tometer for determining deep struc-
of Dr. Joel Watkins of the Mas- ture in the Moon. Other approaches
sachusetts Institute of Technology. to the problem of the interior
composition are found by examining
the propagation of electromagnetic
LUNAR SURFACE MAGNETOMETER EXPERIMENT
disturbances which originate in
the solar wind and are carried
The Lunar Surface Magnetometer through the Moon. The response
(Figure 8) will measure the mag- of the Moon should be that of a
nitude and direction of the sur- negative-gain conductor.
face magnetic field of the Moon
and changes in the field direction
up to a frequency of about one An additional purpose of this
cycle per second. The placement experiment is to monitor the pas-
of this ALSEP instrument on the sage of the Moon through the mag-
Moon is such that the equatorial netic tail of the Earth. It will
magnetic field will be determined. also obtain specific information
Magnetic fields connected with on the interaction of the solar
interplanetary space should show wind with the lunar surface and
periodic variations; fields as- whether the process results in
sociated with the Moon will be the generation of plasma waves
stationary during the lunar ro- and produces some compression of
tation. the interplanetary field during
the impacting of the solar plasma.
As the solar wind sweeps the Lastly, the site-surveying prop-
interplanetary magnetic field erty of the magnetometer instru-
against the Moon, some of this ment allows detection of plasma
field should diffuse into the in- currents and the presence of sub-
terior in a manner roughly anal- surface magnetic material such
ogous to heat flow. By studying as meteorites.
15
Figure 8 Lunar Surface Magnetometer Experiment
16
The structure and propagation
velocity of the solar wind can
be studied by measuring the time
intervals between the observations
of sudden changes in solar wind
properties at the Moon and at the
Earth. The time intervals are
expected to be as long as 15 min-
utes, depending on the relative
positions of the Sun, Moon, and
Earth. The measurements of the
Solar Wind Experiment will permit
knowledge to be gained about the
length, breadth, and structure
of the magnetic turbulent wake
of the Earth.
17
velocity and energy intervals over
J00099Wt
a velocity range of 4 x 10 4 cm/sec
up to 9.35 x 10 6 cm/sec and an
energy range of 0.2 to 48.6 ev.
The distribution of ion masses
up to 120 AMU can be determined
from these data. In addition,
the electric potential between
the LID and the local lunar sur-
fac: will be controlled by apply-
ing a known voltage between the
instrument and a ground plane be-
neath it. If local electric fields
exist, they will be offset at one
of the ground plane voltage steps.
By accumulating ion count data
at different ground potentials,
an estimate of local electric fields
and their effects on ion charac-
teristics can be made.
Figure 10 Lunar Ionosphere Detector
In addition to low-energy ions,
the LID will also measure the
number of particles of higher en-
velocity, and energy per unit charge ergies, primarily solar wind pro-
of positive ions in the vicinity tons. A separate detector counts
of the lunar surface. the number of particles in selec-
ted energy intervals between 10
The LID uses two curved plate and 3500 ev. The mass of these
analyzers to detect and count ions. particles cannot be determined be-
The low-energy analyzer has a velo- cause the detector does not have a
city filter of crossed electric velocity selector.
and magnetic fields. The velocity
filter passes ions with discrete The principal investigator
velocities and the curved plate for the LID is Dr. John Freeman
analyzer passes ions with discrete of Rice University.
energy, permitting determination
LUNAR ATMOSPHERE DETECTOR
of mass as well as number density.
The second curved plate analyzer, The Lunar Atmosphere Detector
without a velocity filter, detects (LAD) will provide data per-
higher energy particles, as in taining to the density of the lu-
the solar wind. The LID is em- nar ambient atmosphere. Of par-
placed on a wire mesh ground screen ticular interest will be any vari-
on the lunar surface and a' voltage ations of the particle density
is applied between the electronics associated with lunar phase or
and ground plane to monitor any solar activity. This instrument
electrical field effects. will also study the effects of
foreign material left by the LM
The LID will count the num- and the astronauts, and rate of
ber of low-energy ions in selected loss of contaminants.
18
The instrument used for these Earth's mantle. It will also pro-
measurements is a cold cathode vide data from which it is possi-
gauge which is mounted with the ble to reconstruct the temperature
LID on Apollo 12,14 and 15 but is profile of the subsurface layers
a separate unit on Apollo 13. The of the Moon and to determine
gauge produces an electrical cur- whether the melting point may be
rent which is proportional to the approached toward its interior.
measured atmosphere density. This
current is amplified and read out Earth heat flow measurements
as the instrument's scientific and measurements of the radioac-
data. The LAD is deployed from tive content of mantle-type rocks
its own subassembly on Apollo 13. indicate that between 10 -14 and
5 x 10 -14 watts are now being pro-
When the astronaut deploys duced by radioactive decay in each
the LID package, he removes the gram of mantle material. If meas-
LAD and emplaces it three to five urements indicate that a similar
feet away from the LID. An elec- rate of heat production exists
trical cable connects the cold on the Moon, there would be strong
cathode gauge instrument to the evidence for concluding a compo-
LID . sitional similarity between the
Moon and the Earth.
The LAD package has an Earth
weight of 12.5 pounds and requires The FIFE, shown in Figure 11,
6.5 watts of operating power, in- consists of two sensor probes and
cluding power for temperature con- a common electronics package. Two
trol during the lunar night. one-inch diameter, 10-foot holes
will be drilled into the lunar
The principal investigator surface by the Apollo astronaut.
for the LAD is Dr. Francis This will be accomplished by a
Johnson of Southwest Center for specially designed heat flow drill.
Advanced Studies. Mr. Dallas Evans A two-section probe approximately
of the Manned Spacecraft Center/ 45 inches long will be lowered
NASA is the co-investigator- into each of the two holes. The
probes contain sensors to measure
absolute temperature and temper-
ature difference. Thermal conduc-
HEAT FLOW EXPERIMENT tivity is investigated by meas-
uring absolute and differential
temperatures while actuating small
The Heat Flow Experiment (HFE) electric heaters in the probes.
measures the lunar temperature
profile at depths up to 10 feet The Apollo Lunar Surface Drill
and the value of the Moon's ther- (ALSD), Figure 12, allows the as-
mal conductivity over the same tronaut to implant heat flow tem-
depth. From these measurements, perature probes below the lunar
information may be deduced regard- surface and to collect subsurface
ing the net outward flux of heat core material.
from the Moon's interior and the
radioactive content of the Moon's The ALSD is designed as a sys-
interior compared to that of the tem which can be removed as a single
19
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l
Dui
package from the ALSEP pallet and The holes are cased to prevent
carried to the drilling site. There cave-in and to facilitate inser-
it will be used to drill two holes. tion of the probes of the Heat
Flow Experiment. The subsurface
core material from the second hole
will be retained in the drill
string and returned to Earth in
a sample return container.
20
Yale University and R.M. Eugene the solar wind between the Moon
Simmons of Massachusetts Institute and the Sun. The detailed physi-
of Technology. cal processes occurring at such
a shock front are largely not un-
CHARGED-PARTICLE LUNAR ENVIRONMENT EXPERIMENT
derstood, and they are of consider-
able interest in fundamental plas-
ma research. If there is such
The Charged-Particle Lunar a shock front near the moon, the
Environment Experiment (CPLEE), CPLEE will detect the disordered
Figure 13, will study the energy or thermalized fluxes of electrons
distribution and time variations and protons on the downstream side
of proton and electron fluxes in of the shock front.
18 energy intervals over the range
of about 50 to 150,000 electron
volts. At times of the full Moon, when
the Moon is in the "magnetic tail"
of the Earth, the CPLEE will de-
-s tect the accelerated electrons
and protons that cause auroras
when they plunge into the terres-
trial atmosphere. These accele-
ration procresses are not under-
stood, and their simultaneous ob-
servation near Earth and the Moon
is essential for detailed study.
9
The CPLEE will also measure
the lower-energy solar cosmic rays
occasionally produced in solar
eruptions or flares. The Moon
is an excellent platform for such
studies, since both its atmosphere
and magnetic field are relatively
negligible.
21
energy and polarity of the par- 0.1S pound and contains three
ticles. The instrument also in- photocells and thermistors. The
cludes electronics for recording package is mounted on top of the
the particle counts and providing Central Station sunshield with
data to the Data Subsystem. the photocells facing the ecliptic
path of the Sun. Each cell is
The CPLEE weighs approximately protected by a blue filter to cut
four and one-half pounds (Earth off ultraviolet wavelengths below
weight) and requires 4.78 watts 0.4 micron and a cover slide for
of operating power, including power protection against radiation dam-
to maintain temperature control age. Attached to the rear of each
during lunar night. photocell is a thermistor to moni-
tor the individual cell's temper-
The principal investigator for ature. The temperature of each
the CPLEE is Dr. Brian J. O'Brien photocell, compared to the antici-
of Rice University. pated value for exposure at a given
solar angle, is a measure of dust
DUST DETECTOR accretion and insulating values.
The electronics for the Dust De-
The Dust Detector (Figure 14) tector weigh approximately 0.10
will measure the accumulation and pound, and are mounted within
effect of lunar dust accretion the thermally-controlled Central
over the ALSEP Central Station. Station electronics assembly.
It is a 1.75-x 1.75-x 2.63-inch
sensor unit, weighs approximately DATA SUBSYSTEM
22
DOWNLINK
(SCIENTIFIC & ENGINEERING
UPLINK (COMMANDS) DATA)
ANTENNA
COMMAND TRANSMITTER
RECEIVER & SW ITCH I (A AND B)
POWER
DISTRIBUTION
UNIT
CM
ECODER
DO I PROCE SOR
23
1
24
Thermocouples, which are nor-
mally used individually to sense
temperature by converting heat
to electricity, are grouped in
such numbers that a useful amount
of electrical power is generated.
The PCU accepts the primary + 16
VDC source voltage from the RTG r ^^
and performs conversion and regu-
lation functions to produce six
output voltages: -12 VDC, -6 VDC,
-5 VDC, +12 VDC, +15 VDC and
+29 VDC. The six output voltages
are supplied to the PCU of the
Data Subsystem where all switching
and distribution functions are
performed.
25
structure (and thus to the LM) The fully deployed configura-
during the severe loads of launch tion of subpackage 1, called
and landing. the Central Station (see Figure
16), has its electronics packages
Subpackage 1, as stowed mounted on the underside of a ther-
for flight to the Moon, carries mal radiator plate and surrounded
three experiments and the antenna (bottom and four sides) by an in-
on a honeycomb pallet which is sulating thermal blanket. The
used as a sunshield during lunar blanket prevents heat losses from
operations. The sunshield is fas- the electronics compartment at
tened to the primary structure, night or gains during lunar day
a shallow box having a forged- through any side except the radi-
aluminum outer frame, which houses ator plate. The plate serves as
the Data Subsystem. the main heat path, allowing radi-
ative losses from the plate to
Subpackage 2 has an alum- space. The radiator plate (and
inum pallet as the main structural attached electronics packages) are
member. The unfueled RTG (gener- further isolated from the lunar
ator assembly) is permanently at- surface day/night thermal cycles
tached to the pallet. Temporarily by the reflectors mounted between
attached, in the stowed config- the plate and the sunshield. Fi-
uration, is a subpallet carrying nally, the sunshield and curtains
the antenna aiming mechanism, the prevent direct solar energy from
Lunar Ionosphere Detector Experi- striking the thermal radiator plate
ment, and ALSEP astronaut tools. and adding to the lunar-day heat
Also attached, with quick release loads.
fasteners, are the Apollo Lunar
Hand Tools (ALHT) in their car- ALSEP DEPLOYMENT
rier - ready for astronaut use
during lunar geological explora- The conditions of the lunar
tions. environment during ALSEP deploy-
ment by the Apollo astronauts (tem-
Thermal control for the RTG perature extremes, vacuum, a one-
is assured by removing all other sixth gravitational pull, and ex-
equipment from the pallet (during treme light intensity) are moder-
ALSEP deployment) and locating ated by the Extravehicular Mobil-
the RTG at least 10 feet from other ity Unit (EMU) consisting of a
ALSEP equipment. pressure suit, thermal overgarment,
a helmet with multiple visors,
After removal of the sunshield- and a Portable Life Support Sys-
mounted experiments, the sunshield tem. Development of the EMU is
is raised approximately two feet independent of ALSEP but EMU char-
above its stowed position to pre- acteristics influenced the design
pare subpackage 1 for opera- of ALSEP handling features.
tion under lunar thermal condi-
tions. Spring-loaded tubular ex- REMOVE PACKAGES
tenders facilitate raising the
sunshield. Thermal curtains and ALSEP is inoperative during
reflectors automatically unfold its trip to the Moon. After land-
as the sunshield is raised. ing, it is deployed and activated
26
by a series of astronaut tasks ternate "suitcase" carry mode makes
together with a series of Earth use of individual handles on the
commands to the Data Subsystem subpackages.
from the Manned Space Flight Net-
work. The sequence of deploy- During the traverse the astro-
ment events is outlined in Fig- nauts will determine the most de-
ure 20. Deployment begins when sirable, site, beyond 300 feet from
ALSEP subpackages 1 and 2 are sep- the LM, to locate ALSEP. They
arately removed from the SEQ bay will be looking for a smooth area,
and lowered to the lunar surface. large enough to accommodate the
The astronaut opens the SEQ bay planned 100—foot separation be-
door on the Lunar Module, removes tween the magnetometer and the
the package restraints, and grasps LID; a level site, free from rub-
a deployment lanyard which is at- ble.
tached to a boom and one subpackage.
Pulling the lanyard extends the The specified distance assures
boom and allows the package to that there are no destructive LM
be withdrawn from the SEQ bay and ascent blast effects on ALSEP and
lowered to the Moon in a contin- also reflects the need to keep
uous motion. The other subpackage the astronaut at all times within
is similarly unloaded. a safe distance for return to the LM
in case of failure in his oxygen
supply.
TRANSFER FUEL
DEPLOY RTG
The radioisotope fuel capsule
is next transferred from the fuel At the end of the traverse,
cask (mounted on the LM exterior) the astronaut deploys the RTG by
to the generator mounted on sub- removing all other equipment from
package 2. This includes rotating subpackage 2 and placing it in its
the fuel cask to a horizontal po- upright position. The RTG-to-
sition, removing its dome and with- Central Station interconnecting
drawing the fuel capsule with the cable is connected to a receptacle
fuel transfer tool (FTT). Using located on subpackage 1.
the FTT as a handle, the astronaut
inserts the capsule into the gen- DEPLOY CENTRAL STATION
erator (refer to Figure 19), lock-
ing it in place with a twisting Subpackage 1, which contains
motion which also frees the FTT. the Central Station, is deployed
by placing it in an upright posi-
tion 10 feet from subpackage 2,
The Apollo astronauts next removing the experiments from the
carry ALSEP from 300 to 1000 feet sunshield, raising the sunshield,
to the final deployment site. The and installing the antenna.
primary transport mode uses the
antenna mast attached to the two Experiments are removed from
subpackages to form a "barbell" the sunshield by using a Universal
(Figure 21). A simple, slip-fit, Handling Tool (UHT) to release
trigger-actuated lock secures the the tie-down fasteners and to lift
mast to the subpackages. The al- the experiments to other locations.
27
MIN : SEC COMMANDER ACTIVITY LM PILOT ACTIVITY
00:00
REMOVE PKG N1 MONITOR FOR SAFETY
(54 SEC)
28
MIN : SEC COMMANDER ACTIVITY LM PILOT ACTIVITY
13:46
TEMPORARILY EMPLACE DEPLOY MAST/PKG M1
SUBPALLET & ALHT (22 SEC)
(14 SEC)
ITE N T V
DEPLOY PKG M2
(01 MIN 10 SEC) MONITOR FOR SAFETY
RELEASE SWS
(32 SEC)
RELEASE PSE DEPLOY SWS
(32 SEC) (01 MIN 22 SEC)
REMOVE LSM
(54 SEC) REPORT: ALIGNMENT COMPLETE
DEPLOY PSE
(01 MIN 05 SEC)
RELEASE SUNSHIELD
(03 MIN)
REPORT: ALIGNMENT VALUES
DEPLOY LSM
(02 MIN 34 SEC)
DEPLOY SUNSHIELD
(53 SEC) REPORT: ALIGNMENT VALUES
ASSEMBLE ANTENNA DEPLOY LID
(02 MIN 06 SEC) (03 MIN 42 SEC)
CONFIRM: AZ/EL SETTING I
(02 MIN 07 SEC)
ACTUATE SW-1 OBTAIN METRIC
PHOTOGRAPHS OF
REQUEST: XMTR ON DEPLOYED ALSEP
IF ALSEP DOES NOT RESPO D
ACTUATE SW -2 AND SW-3
REPORT: SW POSITIONS
RETURN TO LM RETURN TO LM
Figure 20 (Continued)
29
2. Aligning the antenna aim-
ing mechanism with respect
to a shadow; i.e., estab-
lishing an East-West ref-
erence. This alignment
uses an adjusting knob,
shadow post, and paint
pattern
30
- 300-FT MINIMUM BASED ON
LM ASCENT BLAST WITH
100 % SAFETY FACTOR
PASSIVE SEISMIC
2a RTG 10 FT
10 FT =
50 FT ^/,/p
13 FT
MAGNETOMETER
1 ` SOLAR WIND
55 FT S PECTROMETER
LUNAR
^E
IONOSPHERE
DETECTOR
W
LUNAR ATMOSPHERE DETECTOR
extends its legs, sets the instru- The astronaut will then report
ment on the lunar surface, and the alignment and return to the
aligns it relative to a shadow Central Station.
pattern.
The astronaut next carries
the Lunar Ionosphere Detector 55
The Lunar Surface Magnetometer feet, simultaneously deploying
is placed 55 feet from the Central the interconnecting cable, to a
Station in a direction away from position at least 80 feet from
the LM. Its interconnecting cable the Magnetometer. Before emplac-
is deployed during the 55-foot ing the LID, the astronaut re-
traverse. Upon arrival at the moves a wire mesh "ground plane"
magnetometer location, the astro- and places it on the lunar surface.
naut unfolds the legs, places the Next, the astronaut removes the
instrument on the surface in ap- Lunar Atmosphere Detector from the
proximately the proper East-West LID and places it off the edge
alignment, unfolds the booms which of the ground plane in a direction
carry the sensors, and makes final away from the Central Station and
leveling and alignment adjustments. the LM. Finally, he lowers the
31
instrument to the surface, in the Drill, two holes are drilled ap-
center of the screen, and levels proximately one-inch diameter and 10
and aligns it. A bubble level feet deep. The 45-inch-long probes
and shadows are used for establish- are placed in the bottoms of the
ing alignment. drilled holes by means of a spe-
cial tool. The probes are con-
The second and third flights nected by cables to an electron-
of ALSEP contain different experi- ics package which is, in turn,
ments as shown in Table 2. cable-connected to the Central
Station. The astronaut places
If the Active Seismic Experi- the electronics package on the
ment is included, the mortar box surface with a prescribed align-
assembly is deployed first. It ment which satisfies thermal (sun-
is placed 10 feet from the Central shield) requirements.
Station, pointing away from the
anticipated geophone line. The The Charged-Particle Lunar
thumper/geophone assembly is then Environment Experiment is emplaced
carried along the preselected line
ten feet from the Central Station.
The geophone cable has three geo- The astronaut will set it on the
phone detectors wired to it in lunar surface, level the instru-
such a way that the astronaut can ment to within ± 5 degrees of ver-
insert the geophones in the lunar tical, and align it to within
surface at distances of 10 feet, ± 2 degrees with respect to shadow
160 feet, and 310 feet from the lines on the instrument.
Central Station. When the astro-
naut returns along the geophone With the ALSEP deployed and
cable he fires the cartridge-actu- activated, the astronauts may return
ated thumper at 15-foot intervals to the LM or continue other lunar
(21 cartridges). surface mission tasks such as geo-
logical surveys.
Deployment of the Heat Flow
Experiment requires the drilling
of holes for the heat flow probes.
Using the Apollo Lunar Surface
32
ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation Definition
Eng. Engineering
LM Lunar Module
Mod Modulated
PWR Power
33
Abbreviation Definition
Sci Science
34