The West Ford payload

The problem of establishing an orbiting dipole belt of particular dimensions imposes constraints on the method used to dispense the dipoles. The technique chosen is that of binding the dipoles together in a subliming matrix material. The dipoles are assembled to form a right circular cylinder which is rotated about its axis of circular symmetry. Incident solar energy in the vacuum in orbit results in rapid sublimation of the matrix material. The dipoles are then released from the surface of the rotating cylinder. This technique of dispensing dipoles, the method of handling fine wire to produce properly packaged dipoles and the procedure for impregnating the dipole packages with the subliming binder material are described. The actual performance of the dispenser device in orbit and the results of ground tests of the dispensing technique before and after launch are discussed.