Because of the limited space available and the requirements for low weight, the payload instrumentation was designed and built with simplicity and high reliability in mind, using germanium and silicon transistors in its electronics. A total of 20 transistors were used in Explorer 1, plus additional ones in the Army's micrometeorite amplifier. Electrical power was provided by mercury chemical batteries that made up approximately 40% of the payload weight.
because of the limited space available and the requirements for low weight the payload instrumentation was designed and built with simplicity and high reliability in mind using germanium and silicon transistors in its electronics a total of 20 transistors were used in explorer 1 plus additional ones in the army's micrometeorite amplifier electrical power was provided by mercury chemical batteries that made up approximately 40% of the payload weight