[Illustration: 30. MOUSE model displays some of the earliest solar
cells made (under square cover on front).]
The concept of artificial earth satellites was a logical extension of
existing sounding-rocket programs. The MOUSE, or Minimum Orbital
Unmanned Satellite of Earth, was conceived in 1951 as the smallest
possible orbital vehicle capable of performing scientific tasks. While
the MOUSE was never built or flown, it demonstrated what could be
accomplished by an orbiting vehicle of modest size and weight.
The MOUSE would have weighed 45.4 kilograms (100 pounds). It was
designed to study cosmic rays, interplanetary dust, and solar
ultraviolet and X rays, with the instruments attached to rods projecting
from either end. The satellite was to be powered by solar cells.
MOUSE was conceived by Kenneth W. Gatland, Anthony Kunesch, and Alan
Dixon of England. Dr. S. F. Singer of the University of Maryland
designed the MOUSE and constructed the model on exhibit. The model
displays some of the earliest solar cells produced by the Bell Telephone
Laboratories.
The MOUSE is from S. F. Singer.