A radiation-hardened star scanner for spacecraft guidance and controlA star scanner for the Galileo Project is described. Because it must function in the intense Jupiter radiation field, which consists primarily of high-energy electrons and protons, this star scanner is designed with radiation-hardness as a prime objective. The optics and the multiplier phototube are specially designed to minimize fluorescence and Cerenkov effects, and the electronic components to minimize ionization and displacement damage. The star-scanner layout provides maximum shielding for the optics and phototube. Test results predict successful operation in the expected Jovian radiation environment.
Document ID
19810059734
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Birnbaum, M. M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Bunker, R. L. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Tavolacci, J. T. (Bendix Corp. Guidance Systems Div., Teterboro, NJ, United States)