HORIZON SENSOR PERFORMANCE IN MEASURING ALTITUDE ABOVE THE MOON

Abstract

The diameter of the apparent lunar disc can be measured with a horizon sensor. This information may be used by a space vehicle approaching the moon to determine its altitude above the surface. If the lunar radius is not accurately known, an error will result. Also, errors in measuring the chord of the lunar sphere will be caused by the electronic gear and by the uneven features of the moon's surface. In addition, the subvehicle point may lie on an elevation or a depression referenced to the ideal sea level. An error analysis is necessary to determine the usefulness of altitude information obtained by a horizon sensor. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0259497

Entities

People

  • P.j. De Fries

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Depression
  • Diameters
  • Elevation
  • Error Analysis
  • Errors
  • Horizon Scanners
  • Sea Level
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris