A ROCKET BORNE SUNFOLLOWER
Abstract
The design and development of the BRL Sunfollower Model II are described. The system was developed for use in a comparatively inexpensive rocket (Nike-Cajun) for gathering upper atmosphere data, specifically on water vapor content. The instrument is powered by a null seeking dc servo system which drives a light-weight mirror. It is capable of acquiring its target, the sun, and locking on at spin rates approaching 1000 rpm. Optimum accuracy is + or - 0.5 degrees at approximately 600 rpm. It is pointed out that below burnout height, target acquisition might not be reliable since the device's centrifugal switch might not perform properly during a high g loading. The instrument could be adapted to track any reasonably bright light source by making small modifications, principally of the sensor holders and masks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265588
Entities
People
- William M. Frey
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory