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Balloon infrared astronomy platform (BIRAP)The development of a balloon-borne attitude control system for infrared astronomy studies is discussed. The Balloon Infrared Astronomy Platform (BIRAP) is the result of the development effort. The BIRAP uses electronic gimballing for the offset pointing which eliminates a set of mechanical gimbals. Guide stars with visual magnitudes as low as plus 6 are used for fine tracking assuring that all areas of the sky can be covered. The BIRAP control concept uses a closed loop system in the airborne equipment with automatic update through a command link that can be operated either manually or automatically by a ground based computer.
Document ID
19750004687
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Greeb, M. E.
(Ball Bros. Research Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
True, G. A.
(Ball Bros. Research Corp. Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1974
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Ames Res. Center Telescope Systems for Balloon-Borne Res.
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
75N12759
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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