Design and Tests of Simple, Inexpensive Optical Beacon for Use on Small Satellites

Abstract

A standard photography flash unit modified for automatic repetitive flashing and presetable pulse duration was tested for its utility as an aid for optically acquiring a target in low earth orbit. The relative visibility of the flash with respect to repetition rate and pulse duration was measured with two types of low-light-level TV camera systems over a range of effective distances. Optimal operating parameters for the flash were determined for its application as an optical beacon on the small satellites used in the Chemical Release Observation (CRO) experiments, part of the Infrared Backgrounds and Signatures Survey (IBSS) Space Shuttle mission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 28, 1989
Accession Number
ADA213325

Entities

People

  • Marcus N. Osibov
  • Ray W. Russell
  • Rick Fleeter
  • Robert J. Maulfair
  • Thomas L. Hayhurst

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cameras
  • Defense Systems
  • Detectors
  • Low Light Levels
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Observatories
  • Optical Detectors
  • Photography
  • Photomultiplier Tubes
  • Repetition Rate
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Systems

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects