TheUK-3satellite and its ground check-out equipment

An outline of the electrical design of the UK-3satellite is followed by a statement of the philosophy governing the design of the ground check-out equipment. The principal functions of the latter are described under the general headings of: (1) Test equipment for use close to the satellite. (2) The trailer-mounted data processing and recording station. Among the units specially developed for UK-3, and described, are a 365-day clock and commutator unit employing integrated circuits, and a self-checking off-limit detector.