Calibration of the Space Shuttle Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System using a laser trackerVerification tests of the Space Shuttle Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System (MSBLS) performed with respect to the Precision Laser Tracking System are reported. MSBLS ground station measurements of the azimuth, elevation and range of a NASA Jetstar aircraft equipped with a laser retroreflector, a MSBLS antenna and commissioning instruments including a MSBLS navigation set of the type installed in the Orbiter, during the performance of radial, orbital and glideslope runs with respect to the ground station were compared with laser ground station measurements of aircraft position. Data obtained from flight testing at Shuttle landing sites reveal MSBLS distance measuring equipment performance to be very good, with elevation errors found at very low elevation angles and azimuth errors as a function of aircraft attitude. The Precision Laser Tracking System has thus proven to be a satisfactory instrument for determining MSBLS performance, and an ideal instrument for its calibration.
Document ID
19810038112
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ford, K. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, Fla., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Aircraft Communications And Navigation
Meeting Information
Meeting: Electro-Optics/Laser 79 Conference and Exposition