Observing from space with the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory.

Abstract

Description of the OAO-A2 satellite and of its use in carrying out stellar measurements. The OAO-A2 is an unmanned satellite which carries two experiments, one measuring individual stars and the other measuring star fields. The OAO-A2 has the ability to point anywhere in celestial space with an accuracy of one arc minute and thus gives rise to certain operational considerations not known with other satellites. A detailed description is given of the operations control center responsible for planning and directing the overall OAO mission. The mission planning cycle and mission operations are discussed. Techniques for recovery of stellar control after loss of the stellar reference provided by the star trackers are considered. Improvements in the OAO series incorporated in the OAO-C satellite are cited.