Control Networks for the Galilean Satellites: November 1979
Abstract
Pictures of the four Galilean satellites were taken as the two Voyager spacecraft approached Jupiter during March and July 1979, and nearly full coverage of all the satellites was obtained by each flyby as the satellites rotated in front of the cameras. High-resolution mosaics of the satellites were obtained during the periods of closest encounter. The faceplates of the vidicon cameras have reseaux of 202 points to permit removal of geometric distortions. Pictures of stars in the Pleiades cluster were used to measure the focal lengths of the optical systems and to calibrate the cameras geometrically. Control nets of the Galilean satellites have been computed photo-grammatically and mean radii measured. This work is continuing, and improved results will emerge as more data are incorporated in the computations. At this time the mean radii of the satellites are: Io, 1816 +/- 5 km; Europa, 1563 +/- 10 km; Ganymede, 2638 +/- 10 km; and Callisto, 2410 +/- 10 km. The control nets contain: Io, 307 points, 159 pictures; Europa, 86 points, 46 pictures; Ganymede, 227 points, 71 pictures; and Callisto, 291 points, 95 pictures. The pictures in the control nets are identified, the coordinates of the control points are given, and identifications of some of the control points are shown on figures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA484909
Entities
People
- Frank Y. Katayama
- James A. Roth
- Merton E. Davies
- Thomas A. Hauge
Organizations
- RAND Corporation