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A precision star tracker utilizing advanced techniques and materialsAn image dissector star tracker has been developed which operates in the photon counting mode making it possible to utilize all digital electronics. A unique pulse processing circuit allows bright stars to be tracked as well as dim stars. Thermal mechanical stability has been greatly enhanced by fabricating a housing with graphite/epoxy composite material with a linear coefficient of thermal expansion near zero. Test results indicate the +10 Mv stars can be acquired and tracked, while position variation with star intensity is less than 2 arc seconds from 2.5 Mv to +10 Mv. The noise equivalent angle for a +8 Mv star is 3 arc seconds. Polynominal correction for remaining cross-coupling and nonlinearity reduced error over total 1 x 1 deg field to 1.5 arc seconds.
Document ID
19760035834
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gates, R. F.
(TRW Systems Group Redondo Beach, CA, United States)
Mcaloon, K. J.
(TRW Systems Group Dynamics Dept. Redondo Beach, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 76-113
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: Washington, DC
Start Date: January 26, 1976
End Date: January 28, 1976
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
76A18800
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-12894
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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