The Joint Milli-Arcsecond Pathfinder Survey: Introduction and Applications

Abstract

The United States Navy is developing the space-based Joint Milli-Arcsecond Pathfinder Survey mission (JMAPS) mission to support current and future needs for high accuracy star positions. The primary objective of the JMAPS mission is to generate a star catalog that is 15 times more accurate and 100 times denser than existing bright star catalogs. JMAPS will not only provide required star positions needed by high-accuracy, space-based orientation/attitude users, but JMAPS will also pathfind, mature, and risk-reduce technology for the next generation of high accuracy attitude determination systems. In addition, the JMAPS sensor, optimized to make very high precision measurements of star positions (astrometry), is ideally suited to improve position measurements of satellites and support formation flying applications. We will discuss the status of the JMAPS mission, including the current mission baseline, leading up to a CY 2013 launch.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA519447

Entities

People

  • Bryan N. Dorland
  • Ralph A. Gaume

Organizations

  • United States Naval Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Detectors
  • Focal Planes
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Observatories
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Satellite Buses
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Space Based
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Star Position
  • Star Trackers
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites