MAP, A Modular Design Concept for Recoverable Scientific Rocket-Borne Experiments

Abstract

A series of scientific payloads have been built and flown aboard Nike Apache Rockets. During the design phase heavy emphasis was placed upon realizing a modular configuration both structurally and electrically. The payload was divided into two sections according to functions. The support section included such things as telemetry, batteries, power supplies, timing, aspect sensing and programming facilities. The experiment section was composed of six independent experiments each provided by a different group. Each experiment was built to conform to the shape factor, and electrical requirements of the payload. This paper will discuss the modular nature of the experiments only. The theoretical and instrumental features of the different experimental problems are to be published in other literature along with the research results from the 1969 flight program. The features of the support system which make for maximum modularity will be emphasized in this paper.