Three axis earth/star sensor

Details Three axis earth/star sensor Three axis earth/star sensor

1991-08-30

1993-02-23

Nelms, David C.

Radiant energy

Photocells; circuits and apparatus

Photocell controlled circuit

244158R, H01J 4014

Patent

active

051892952

ABSTRACT:
An earth sensor primarily for use at geosynchronous altitude measures Pitch, Roll, as well as Yaw. Pitch and Roll are obtained from the sun illuminated earth crescent viewed through a pinhole by a CID video camera. A circular mask positioned in front of the pinhole blacks out the center 10 degrees of the earth. A beam splitter receives visible radiation from the earth crescent through the pinhole and combines it with energy from a lens system aimed at Polaris and beta Ursa Minor and/or gamma Cepheus and projects radiation from such polar stars onto the CID detector. Yaw is obtained by sensing the position of the pole star Polaris.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3784829 (1974-01-01), Bancroft et al.
patent: 4462684 (1984-07-01), Abler
patent: 4628206 (1986-12-01), Astheimer

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