Optics: measuring and testing – Angle measuring or angular axial alignment – With photodetection remote from measured angle
Patent
1985-12-20
1989-01-31
Buczinski, Stephen C.
Optics: measuring and testing
Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
With photodetection remote from measured angle
356141, 250203R, G01B 1126, G01C 100, G01J 120
Patent
active
048012025
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of the optical axis of radiometer instruments mounted on a satellite involves a star sensing technique. The technique makes use of a servo system to orient the scan mirror of the radiometer into the path of a sufficiently bright star such that motion of the satellite will cause the star's light to impinge on the scan mirror and then the visible light detectors of the radiometer. The light impinging on the detectors is converted to an electronic signal whereby, knowing the position of the star relative to appropriate earth coordinates and the time of transition of the star image through the detector array, the orientation of the optical axis of the instrument relative to earth coordinates can be accurately determined.
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Buczinski Stephen C.
ITT Aerospace Optical
Koltak Melissa L.
Twomey Thomas N.
Walsh Robert A.
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