An Experimental Canopus Star Sensor.

Abstract

The technology satellite designated X4, due for launch in 1974, will carry into orbit a 3-axis attitude control system and a number of sensors, one of which will be an experimental Canopus star sensor, which will enable the spacecraft to be attitude stabilised within such a reference frame. The report describes the Canopus star sensor and its role in the stabilisation of the spacecraft, with respect to the sun and the star Canopus. It will also describe briefly the modes of operation performed by the spacecraft to check the parameters of the sensor and enable subsidiary experiments to be carried out by the sensor during the mission. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0747542

Entities

People

  • P. Haskell

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic Control Systems
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Entry Control Systems
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers