ANALOG ORBIT COMPUTER

Abstract

The problem of pointing an instrument on the earth's surface at an object in orbit about the earth was investigated. Necessary expressions were derived for calculating continuously azimuth, elevation, range, and range rate from inputs of instrument site and orbit parameters. An electromechanical orbit computer capable of performing the required mathematical operations is described. Test results are listed for a similar computer used against a typical orbiting body.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 16, 1964
Accession Number
AD0600956

Entities

People

  • N. P. Smith
  • S. H. Wright

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Amplifiers
  • Analog Computers
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cartesian Coordinates
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Dihedral Angle
  • Eccentricity
  • Errors
  • Latitude
  • Line Of Sight
  • Longitude
  • Rotation
  • Translations

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Computer Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

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