Optics: measuring and testing – Angle measuring or angular axial alignment – Star/sun/satellite position indication with photodetection
Patent
1995-03-13
1997-07-08
Buczinski, Stephen C.
Optics: measuring and testing
Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
Star/sun/satellite position indication with photodetection
244171, 250202, 25033902, 35613903, G01B 1126, B64G 136, G01J 502
Patent
active
056467230
ABSTRACT:
An earth sensor for use in orbiting satellites over an altitude range between low earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and beyond employs a combination of both visible wavelength senor technology and infrared (IR) sensor technology to result in high accuracy capability. During the vast majority of an orbit of the satellite, the sensor is operating in the visible region using reflected sunlight from the earth horizon. During the relatively small time period of the orbit when the sun is behind the earth and it is not possible to operate the sensor in the visible region, precise attitude information is generated by earth radiance balance operating in the IR region. The sensor therefore exhibits the known advantages and accuracy of operation in the visible region for a major portion of an orbit of a satellite, but also maintains attitude control of the satellite during a relatively small portion of the orbit when operation in the visible region is not possible.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3576999 (1971-05-01), Blythe et al.
patent: 3657549 (1972-04-01), Low et al.
patent: 5455424 (1995-10-01), Doctor
Buczinski Stephen C.
Space Sciences Corporation
Stone Mark P.
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