Yawsonde Technology for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Free Flying Magnetometer (FFM) Program

Abstract

The preliminary application of yawsonde technology to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) free flying magnetometer (FFM) program has been completed. An optical sensor design has been completed specifically to meet the volumetric constraints of the JPL FFM vehicle. Two sensor prototypes were fabricated, and one was extensively tested at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. A review of yawsonde technology encompassing the optical sensors, installation within a flight vehicle, calibration, launch window simulation, flight testing, and data reduction is covered. The prospective sensor application is combined with projected solar ephemeris data and trajectory data to provide assurance of adequate coverage for projected flight tests. A data reduction methodology is developed wherein the sensors' orientation provides a means to determine solar aspect angle and solar roll rate of the vehicle.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA352980

Entities

People

  • Charles E. Mitchell
  • David J. Hepner
  • Michael J. Hollis

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Angular Motion
  • Aspect Angle
  • Calibration
  • Data Processing
  • Data Reduction
  • Detectors
  • Geometry
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Light Sources
  • Manufacturing
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Optical Detectors
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Simulations
  • Trajectories

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Software Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • ballistics.