The design features of the GGS wind and polar spacecraft

Abstract

The Global Geospace Science (GGS) WIND and POLAR spacecraft employ unique configuration and design features driven by the requirements of the science instruments which they host. The WIND and POLAR spacecraft are cylindrically shaped spinners (WIND 20 rpm, POLAR 10 rpm) approximately 2.4 m in diameter and 1.8 m high. Each spacecraft has a pair of lanyard booms, which hold magnetometers, four radial wire antennas and two spin-axis antennas. While satisfying different mission requirements, both share a common basic design. The WIND laboratory contains 8 instruments, designed to optimize measurements of waves, fields and particle distributions. The POLAR laboratory contains 12 instruments, with a similar design emphasis on waves, fields and particle measurements, as well as on auroral imaging. The main difference between the two spacecraft is a despun platform on POLAR which provides a stable environment for the auroral imager instruments. Both laboratories are designed to be launched on Delta II model 7925 launch vehicle and have total masses of approximately 1150 g (WIND) and 1240 kg (POLAR).