BUBBLE LEVELS AS ATTITUDE SENSORS IN SATELLITES,
Abstract
A fluid level is investigated as a means of sensing the local vertical of an attitude stabilized satellite. Such an instrument acts in a manner very similar to a pendulum with low friction. The time constant of the instrument is calculated and errors of the local vertical due to dynamic accelerations are analyzed. It is found that the primary errors in an attitude stabilized satellite are caused by angular accelerations. An angular accelerometer is described which can be used in conjunction with the bubble level to calculate the direction of the local vertical instantaneously. Without this angular accelerometer the bubble level can be used to indicate the long term average attitude of the satellite. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0430199
Entities
People
- A. S. Gutman
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation