Precision control system for engine fuel

System controls two or more pneumatically operated metering valves from common pneumatic source without interaction between valve controls. Unit affords independent metering of liquid from single source to two concurrent applications. Calibration and testing demonstrate complete absence of interaction between valves and corresponding flow rates

Increased capabilities of the 30-cm diameter Hg ion thruster

Some space flight missions require advanced ion thrusters which operate at conditions much different than those for which the baseline 30-cm Hg thruster was developed. Results of initial tests of a 30-cm Hg thruster with two and three grid ion accelerating systems, operated at higher values of both thrust and power and over a greater range of specific impulse than the baseline conditions are presented. Thruster lifetime at increased input power was evaluated both by extended tests and real time spectroscopic measurements

An 11-meter deployable truss for the SEASAT radar antenna

A folding three dimensional truss and tripod assembly which deploys the SEASAT Synthetic Aperture Radar Antenna is described. The folding structure with the antenna panels and rf components stows in an 8.5-inch-thick package. Upon deployment, the structure produced is a flat and rigid support for the antenna