Automatic space sextant

Details Automatic space sextant Automatic space sextant

1976-02-23

1978-04-04

Buczinski, S. C.

Optics: measuring and testing

Angle measuring or angular axial alignment

With photodetection remote from measured angle

33268, 250203R, 356141, G01B 1126

Patent

active

040824624

ABSTRACT:
A navigational system for spacecraft utilizes two telescopes gimbaled on a common axis to measure the scalar angle between a star and the lunar limb. The common axis is the axis of rotation of a momentum wheel that carries a light source on it for the generation of timing pulses. This source enhances signal strength by addition of the source generated ray to that received by each telescope. The entire collimated light source is carried by the wheel and the beam is divided equally between telescopes. The collimated rays are imaged by the telescope assembly and this image sweeps across sensor assemblies to generate discrete timing pulses. The trackers employ closed-loop servo systems to center on respective targets and utilize torque motors to drive the trackers relative to the measurement head case.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2758377 (1956-08-01), Claret et al.
patent: 3001289 (1961-09-01), Carbonara
patent: 3293980 (1966-12-01), Benedetti
patent: 3448272 (1969-06-01), Slater
patent: 3953132 (1976-04-01), Michelson

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