Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

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First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini
One UHF system will operate continuously, with output power of at least
0.25 watts. A second UHF system with 4 watts output power will operate
only on a coded command signal from the ground. Upon interrogation,
the system will operate for a period of 6 minutes, at which time it will turn
itself off and be in ready status for the next interrogation.
[30]
All telemetered data will be tape recorded at the ground stations. In addition,
certain physiological and other data will be displayed in real time for
quick observation by engineering and medical personnel.
7.3.4 On-Board Tape Recording of Voice- The on-board recording of voice will
be required continuously during launch, reentry, and abort maneuvers.
During orbit and after landing, the voice recorder shall be turned on by the
pilot to record comments and observations. In addition, all voice messages
sent to ground stations by the pilot shall be recorded by this equipment.
7.3.5 Photographic Recording
7.3.5.1 Pilot and Instrument Panel - Two cameras are to be provided for use
within the capsule. One for recording the pilot’s appearance and motions
and the other for recording the indication of the pilot’s instruments. The
frame rates may be as low as 3 fr/sec during the launch and reentry and
1 frame every 10 seconds during orbit. The lighting for cameras and general
illumination shall be a duplicate system.
7.3.5.2 Photographic Recording of Earth and Sky – Cameras shall be used to
record pictures of the earth with a 360 degree horizon coverage. As the
line of sight at 120 mile altitude in about 2000 miles, the frame rate
may be as low as 1 frame every 3 minutes to provide a 50% overlap of
picture coverage.
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8. TESTING
8.1 The capsule, all subsystems, and components shall be designed to withstand
the environmental stresses encountered in the missions previously
outlined. Suitable simulated environmental ground tests shall be performed
by the contractor to establish proof of operational reliability
and performance.
8.2 A program of research and development testing of the capsule will be
undertaken by the NASA. This program will include full-scale flight tests
of simplified capsules. The simplified capsules are not a part of the present
specifications.
8.3 The capsules supplied by the contractor will be used in a qualification test
program to be conducted by the NASA. This qualification program will have
as its final objective the accomplishment of the mission described in 2.1.