Rendezvous and docking trackerA conceptual solid-state rendezvous and docking tracker (RDT) has been devised for generating range and attitude data for a docking vehicle relative to a target vehicle. Emphasis is placed on the approach of the Orbiter to a link with the Space Station. Three laser illuminators ring the optical axis of the lens a directed toward retroreflectors on the target vehicle. Each retroreflector is equipped with a bandpass filter for a designated illumination frequency. Data are collected sequentially over a 20 deg field of view as the range closes to 100-1000 m. A fourth ranging retroreflector 0.3 m from center is employed during close-in maneuvers. The system provides tracking data on motions with 6 deg of freedom, and furnishes 500 msec updates (to be enhanced to 100 msec) to the operator at a computer console.
Document ID
19870045459
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ray, Art J. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Ross, Susan E. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Deming, Douglas R. (Ball Corp. Aerospace Systems Div., Boulder, CO, United States)