DEVELOPMENT OF A STAR SENSOR FOR SATELLITE ATTITUDE CONTROL.

Abstract

The paper describes the early stages in the development of a star sensor which is designed to drive gas jets or reaction wheels to counter-balance disturbing torques and so stabilize the attitude of a satellite in space axes. Theoretical and practical results leading to the choice of a frequency modulated system are given. In laboratory tests an experimental sensor of this type, with an optical field of 3/4 degree, produced an output voltage that is roughly proportional to misalignment angle with less than one arcsecond equivalent r.m.s. noise in a bandwidth of 0.5 cps when sensing a +2 magnitude star. Almost as good a result was achieved in field trials at the Royal Observatory at Herstmonceux. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0637778

Entities

People

  • G. W. Brown

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Bandwidth
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Laboratory Procedures
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Misalignment
  • Observatories
  • Research Facilities
  • Satellite Attitude Control
  • Satellite Orientation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers