The Concept of a Stare-Mode Astrometric Space Mission

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the concept of a stare-mode astrometric space mission. The traditionally accepted mode of operation for a mapping astrometric space mission is that of a continuously scanning satellite, such as the successful Hipparcos and planned Gaia missions. With the advent of astrometry missions mapping out stars to 20th magnitude, the stare mode has become competitive. A stare mode of operation has several advantages over a scanning mission if absolute parallax and throughput issues can be successfully addressed. Requirements for a stare-mode operation are outlined here. The mission precision for a stare-mode astrometric mission is derived as a function of instrumental parameters, and examples are given. The stare-mode concept has been accepted as a baseline for the NASA road map study of the Origins Billions Star Survey (OBSS) mission and the proposed Milliarcsecond Pathfinder Survey (MAPS) microsatellite project.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 12, 2006
Accession Number
ADA458276

Entities

People

  • B. Dorland
  • Norbert Zacharias

Organizations

  • United States Naval Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Accuracy
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Charge Coupled Devices
  • Detectors
  • Focal Planes
  • Grids
  • Measurement
  • Observatories
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Precision
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Scanning
  • Simulations
  • Space Missions
  • Spacecraft
  • Square Roots

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Geodesy

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites