Romania #1846 (1966) – Space Travel – FR 1 (France 1) satellite

The FR 1 (France 1) satellite was a compact spacecraft hosting two primary experiments. One of these experiments was designed to monitor Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals transmitted from Earth, while the other served as an electron density probe, responsible for gauging the concentration of electrons surrounding the satellite.

The satellite’s physical structure was composed of two truncated octagonal pyramids, conjoined at their bases by an octagonal prism, measuring 68.6 cm across from one corner to another. This foundational framework was adorned with solar cells and reached a height of approximately 71.2 cm. Extending downward by 48.3 cm from this structure was the electron density probe, while extending upward from its summit was a 71.2 cm-high apparatus housing the magnetic field antenna and its accompanying support tube. Four telemetry antennas extended diagonally upward from the base of this tube, while four electric field antenna booms, each 198 cm in length, extended outward from the prismatic part of the satellite’s base.

The satellite achieved stability through spin, with the determination of its attitude and spin being carried out through observations made by a sun sensor and a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer.

FR 1 was employed for the purpose of investigating VLF signal propagation within the magnetosphere and anomalies in the upper ionosphere. Notably, the satellite lacked a tape recorder, which meant that real-time data transmission occurred as scheduled through designated telemetry stations.

The spacecraft operated successfully until August 1968.