MANUAL ASTRONAUT NAVIGATION: APOLLO MISSION APPLICATIONS.

Abstract

A manual navigation scheme for low eccentricity orbits about the earth and moon is presented and applied to the Apollo mission. This scheme requires a set of tables, charts, and the USAF Hand-Held Space Stadimeter and USAF Hand-Held Space Sextant. The scheme consists of geometrically defining and inertially orienting the orbit. Applications in finding safe orbit status, geographic position at any time, and arrival time at any longitude are shown in detail. Numerical examples of these applications are given along with their respective computation times. Recommendations for improvement and extension of the scheme are included. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0838798

Entities

People

  • Patrick J Smith
  • Richard R. Schehr

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computations
  • Eccentricity
  • Grids
  • Grids (Coordinates)
  • Longitude
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Navigation

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris