LUNAR TRACKER MATHEMATICAL TECHNIQUES AND DIGITAL SIMULATION

Abstract

Optical techniques for lunar flight midcourse tracking of the center of the partially illuminated moon were studied and an experimental model of a complete tracking system based on one of the techniques was designed, fabricated and tested. Consideration is given to the mathematical techniques and the digital simulation of the experimental tracker whose axis is directed toward the center of the moon by means of three measurements of the distance from the axis to the image of the bright limb. The scanning system analytical model, control computer equations, closed-loop servo equations, random errors, and certain hardware nonlinearities included in the simulation are discussed and simulation results are presented in graphical form. Also presented are two promising methods for extension of the mathematical techniques of the experimental model to close range planet tracking. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0282787

Entities

People

  • G.j. Goodman
  • H.b. Kennedy
  • R.b. Freund

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Equations
  • Measurement
  • Scanning
  • Simulations
  • Simulators

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers