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Automatic satellite tracking system for the NASA Satellite Photometric ObservatoryThe development of an Automatic TV Tracking System for NASA's mobile 61 cm aperture Satellite Photometric Observatory is described. The analysis techniques used to match the FOV and resolutions to changing seeing conditions are covered in details. Theoretical reasons for such matching of general interest are discussed. It is shown that the energy density in a satellite image is 11 times greater during good seeing conditions than during typical seeing conditions. The Z7987 image tube is shown to be able to detect 16th magnitude objects under ideal seeing conditions using only 8 percent of the light collected by the main telescope. Experimental results show that the SPO equipped with a Z7987 camera can track a satellite at any orbital velocity with less than 0.14 mr accuracy using the DBA Series 606 TV Tracker. The manual system used prior to the installation of the Automatic TV Tracking System could maintain track at 1.1 mr accuracy for comparison.
Document ID
19910021880
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mucklow, Glenn H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
September 20, 1980
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:105037
NASA-TM-105037
Meeting Information
Meeting: Optical Society of America, Florida Section, Fall Meeting
Location: Melbourne, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: September 20, 1980
Accession Number
91N31194
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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