TRIAXIAL AUTOMATIC PHOTO-CAMERA FOR OBSERVING MAN-MADE EARTH SATELLITES,

Abstract

A compensation method is used for satellite tracking with a photographic camera (f=75 cm., D/f=1:3.5, field of view 4 degrees x 5 degrees). A frame with the film placed in the focal plane of the objective lens vibrates in the direction of the track with the velocity of the image of the satellite. The vibrational motions of the frame as well as the rotation of the camera, the guiding and operating of the shutter are performed by means of an electronicprogramming device according to an approximate formula omega = omega sub o sq cor e. If the rotational velocity of the camera is not the same as that of the satellite a correction by hand can be made. Photographs of bright objects are taken on a fixed film with a rotating obturator. The time of observation is marked by means of a quartz clock. It is possible to track moving objects down to 10m, the internal error of position determination being = (0 min, 5 + 1 min). (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 18, 1965
Accession Number
AD0620823

Entities

People

  • M. K. Abele

Organizations

  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Automatic
  • Cameras
  • Compensation
  • Focal Planes
  • Images
  • Observation
  • Optical Equipment
  • Photographic Equipment
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Rotation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Geodesy

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Space Objects