PROJECT SCORPIO: SATELLITE CALIBRATOR OF RANGES PHOTOGRAPHED IN ORBIT,

Abstract

Project SCORPIO is a satellite system primarily designed to calibrate range instrumentation equipment for the Atlantic Missile Range (AMR). As a result of high quality tracking data collected to satisfy this mission, the program also will provide valuable geophysical data useable for research to support missile and satellite operations. In addition, it will refine the geocentric coordinates of several world-wide tracking stations critically needed for military space programs. The satellite will carry a MISTRAM, a GLOTRAC and a DPN-66 transponder along with an optical beacon which can be photographed against a stellar background. The satellite package will weigh approximately 300 pounds and will be placed into a low eccentricity orbit, about 500 miles above the earth. The inclination of the orbital plane, dictated by the location of the electronic tracking stations, is to be on the order of 40 degrees. The optical tracking net will be world-wide, employing PC-1000 ballistic type cameras as well as the optical tracking equipment available on the AMR. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0706123

Entities

People

  • Armando Mancini
  • Caleb Warner
  • Harry R. Kahler

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Communication Equipment
  • Eccentricity
  • Instrumentation
  • Optical Tracking
  • Radio Equipment
  • Stations
  • Tracking Stations
  • Transponders

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects