Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Fain, D. L..
Monolithic structure, consisting of fused quartz fabricated solar sensor and autocollimator, measures angle between reference surface on spacecraft and solar vector. Device compensates for errors caused by changes in the alignment of its mountings or component parts. Integrated concept is advantageous whenever sensor mounting errors constitute problems.
Sensor system determines absolute alignment of optical axis of experiment package relative to solar vector and provides control information to permit pointing experiment anywhere on solar disc to absolute accuracy of the order of two arc seconds in center and five arc seconds on limb.
Precision Autocollimating Solar Sensor /PASS/ for Solar Pointing Aerobee Rocket Control System /SPARCS/ program