A high speed pointing systemA laser ranging system for use with the Space Shuttle, and applied to a precise determination of the distance between points arrayed on different tectonic plates, i.e., along the San Andreas fault, spaced at distances of 25, 50, and 100 km, is discussed with attention to the orbiting pointing system. The mount carrying the system contains a single elliptical mirror which directs ten laser firings per second (15-18 firings to each target), and receives the light reflected from the target. The mirror and all moving structural parts are constructed of Be. The axes are equipped with 19-bit shaft angle encoders and brushless torque motors. Care is taken to avoid structural resonances, and to ensure a minimum of servo settling time. A Kalman filter is used with the microprocessor system to interpolate low data rate commands to the higher data rates required by the pointing system.
Document ID
19780060478
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Winston, G. C. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1978
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 78-118
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference