Camera Tube for Space Surveillance.
Abstract
The design study included parametric analysis of the factors which affect the design of camera tubes for space surveillance. Surveillance, expressed in terms of sensitivity, coverage, and angular velocity cutoff, can be maximized by increasing the spatial resolution (N sub e) and format size of the sensor. To achieve photoelectron noise limited surveillance, pretarget gain is necessary. The best approach for obtaining this gain at high resolution is the use of a magnetically focussed intensifier section coupled to a magnetically focussed and deflected scanning section. This can be accomplished in a timely manner with low technical risk by coupling either a single silicon impact ionization or a double intensifier section to the scanning electron optics of the 4-1/2-inch Return Beam Vidicon. This tube would have a 72mm target and a resolution (N sub e) level eight times greater than that of currently available sensors. Typical space surveillance system benefits include 64 times more coverage, 2.3 M sub v more sensitivity, and a factor of eight improvement in satellite velocity coverage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA016481
Entities
People
- M. J. Cantella
- M. W. Stewich
- O. H. Schade Sr.
- R. W. Engstrom
- T. W. Edwards
Organizations
- RCA Corporation