POSITIVE ION SENSING SYSTEM FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SPACECRAFT PITCH AND YAW, AIR FORCE D-10 EXPERIMENT FLOWN ON GEMINI X AND XII
Abstract
An attitude sensing system utilizing the properties of ambient positive ions was developed and successfully flown on Gemini Spacecrafts X and XII. In this device the outputs of two planar electrostatic analyzers mounted symmetrically about the appropriate axis are combined to give directly pitch and yaw angles. Comparison of the flight results with those obtained simultaneously with an on-board inertial guidance system shows that over the angular range for which the ion sensing system was designed, plus or minus 20 deg, the average values are in good agreement. The in-flight results also provided a unique description of the distribution of charged particles around the spacecraft, including the wake region, and new information on the motion of the neutral winds and the mean ion drift motion in the upper atmosphere relative to the earth's rotation. The system could be readily adapted or modified for automatic control of manned or unmanned rockets, satellites, or supersonic aircraft. Significant reductions in required weight, power, volume, warm-up time, response time, and cost make this a potentially valuable tool for future space flight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0667803
Entities
People
- M. Smiddy
- R. C. Sagalyn
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories