Tournesol

Spacecraft nº:

France spacecraft nº: 7

Launch data: Designation 05128 / 71030A Launch date 15 Apr 1971 Launch site: Ko, Launch vehicle Diamant-B (#7) Mission Scientific: Sun study and UV astronomy Earth orbit: Perigee/Apogee 457/696 km Inclination 46.3° Period 96.2 min Mass at launch 96 kg

End of life

Description:

• The scientific mission of Tournesol was to detect the probable presence of hydrogen in several directions of the celestial sphere. Scientific and technological data recorded by an onboard recorder were transmitted on command. The satellite was a cylinder 70 cm in diameter and 80 cm long. The rotating axis was directed parallel to the sun-satellite axis, with an accuracy of about 10-20 min of arc. The spin rate was 1 rpm.