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- BE-C (Explorer 27) was a small ionospheric research satellite instrumented with an electrostatic probe, radio beacons, a passive laser tracking reflector, and a Doppler navigation experiment. Its primary objective was to obtain worldwide observations of total electron content between the spacecraft and the earth. The satellite was initially spin stabilized, but it was despun after solar paddle erection. Subsequent stabilization oriented the satellite axis of symmetry with the local magnetic field by means of a strong bar magnet and damping rods. A three-axis magnetometer and sun sensors provided information on the satellite attitude and spin rate. There was no tape recorder aboard so that satellite performance data and electrostatic probe data were observed only when the satellite was within range of a ground telemetry station. Continuous transmitters operated at 162 and 324 MHz to permit precise tracking by 'Transit' tracking stations for navigation and geodetic studies. The satellite was turned off on July 20, 1973, due to frequency interference with higher priority spacecraft. Group: Platform_Details Entry_ID: BE-C Group: Platform_Identification Platform_Category: Earth Observation Satellites Platform_Series_or_Entity: BE (Beacon Explorer) Short_Name: BE-C Long_Name: Beacon Explorer-C End_Group Group: Platform_Associated_Instruments Short_Name: DOPPLER BEACONS Short_Name: LASER TRACKING REFLECTOR Short_Name: RADIO TRANSPONDERS Short_Name: PROBES End_Group Group: Orbit Orbit_Inclination: 41.1 degrees Perigee: 1320 km Apogee: 940 km End_Group Creation_Date: 2007-08-29 Online_Resource: http://cddis.nasa.gov/926/egm96/bec.html Group: Platform_Logistics Launch_Date: 1965-04-29 Launch_Site: Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, USA Primary_Sponsor: NASA End_Group End_Group
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