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American physicist James Van Allen with Pioneer 4, USA, 1950s. Creator: Unknown
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American physicist James Van Allen with Pioneer 4, USA, 1950s. Creator: Unknown
American physicist James Van Allen with Pioneer 4, USA, 1950s. Professor James Van Allen of the University of Iowa is best known for his discoverery in 1958 of the two belts of charged particles in the Earths magnetosphere which are named after him. He also designed the cosmic ray detector experiment on JPLs Explorer satellite, launched in 1958. He was the principal investigator for the radiation experiment that was part of the Pioneer III and IV payloads. Here, he is looking at the cone-shaped Pioneer probe, before it was gold plated and painted with stripes (to maintain a temperature of 10-50 degrees C during flight)
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Media ID 24045095
© Heritage Space/Heritage Images
1950s Boffin Experimental Exploration Fifties Heritage Space Laboratory Nasa Physicist Radiation Scientist Space Space Exploration Space Travel
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This print captures American physicist James Van Allen alongside Pioneer 4, a significant milestone in space exploration during the 1950s. Professor Van Allen, renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries, is best known for identifying the two belts of charged particles encircling Earth's magnetosphere that now bear his name. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Van Allen played a crucial role in designing the cosmic ray detector experiment on JPL's Explorer satellite launched in 1958. As the principal investigator for radiation experiments aboard Pioneer III and IV payloads, he contributed immensely to our understanding of space radiation. Here we see Van Allen engrossed in studying the cone-shaped Pioneer probe before it underwent gold plating and stripe painting. These modifications aimed to regulate its temperature between 10-50 degrees Celsius during flight—a critical factor for mission success. This image not only showcases an iconic figure but also represents an era of experimental exploration and scientific advancement. It symbolizes America's dedication to pushing boundaries in space travel under NASA's guidance. The photographer behind this extraordinary snapshot remains unknown; however, their work immortalizes both James Van Allen's contributions as a scientist and the pioneering spirit that defined this transformative period in history.
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