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DOE OSTI2026

CMS Outer Tracker Module QA

The High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider is a planned upgrade to the LHC that will allow it to take up to 7 times as much data. Upgrades to all detector systems, including the Outer Tracker, are necessary to allow them to handle the increased radiation and pileup. Fermilab has been tasked with assembling modules for the Outer Tracker system. This presentation discusses the QA tests performed on these modules and the integration procedure required to ensure all modules work in sync. The QA tests include sensor IV curves, MaPSA testing, visual inspection, skeleton testing, and module testing. There are additional tests that can only be performed on integrated modules that are working in sync, and developing an understanding of the timing and latency of the modules is necessary to perform this synchronization.

Hobbeheydar, Samuel [Fermilab; Carnegie Mellon U. ↗

DOE OSTI2026

Investigation and Diagnosis of Faulty Data Channels in CMS Outer Tracker Module Testing

The High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) is currently undergoing upgrades to improve its luminosity. In parallel, this requires an upgrade to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS)’s Outer Tracker, consisting of Pixel-Strip (PS) and Strip-Strip (2S) modules that can accurately track the path of charged particles originating from the collisions. It follows that such complex modules call for extensive testing, requiring a sophisticated Data Acquisition (DAQ) system that can perform specific tests to assess their performance. In addition, errors caused by the hardware of a given testing station, and its associated data channel, need to be accurately identified to guarantee proper testing of modules. We have developed a software extension to the Phase-II Outer Tracker Analyzer of Test Outputs (POTATO), which is a specialized software designed to analyze and grade all of the module tests through a centralized database. This extension categorizes and analyzes module test results by its station and data channel. Its analysis can be used to identify trends in grading that indicate issues in these channels’ grading process rather than in the individual modules. This poster shows our methodology and results for identifying faulty data channels. Using this extension, we can quickly diagnose and address problems in our DAQ system, ensuring proper evaluation corrections for each module.

Chen, Angus [Fermilab]↗

NASA NTRS1963

The precision tracker

The precision tracker, a simultaneous lobing, amplitude-comparison, passive, continuous-wave tracker based in principle and design upon a monopulse tracking radar, is employed at the Andover, Maine, and Pleumeur-Bodou, France, stations to find the satellite and direct the horn-reflector antennas when required and, at regular intervals during subsequent passes, to provide the precise tracking data required for prediction of future orbital parameters.

ORBIT CALCULATION↗

NASA NTRS1973

Radiant source tracker independent of nonconstant irradiance

A tracker of a radiant source is disclosed. The tracker is composed of a sectored matrix of detectors whose output voltages correspond to their respective levels of irradiance. The voltages are each sampled during a variable length period and the resulting samples are shaped into triangular samples by an integration process. They are supplied to a demodulator which provides an output corresponding to the difference of the time-voltage product of appropriate combinations of the samples. This output, after filtering, represents the angle of incidence on the detectors with respect to a central axis. The triangular samples are also supplied to a demodulator whose output is an AGC voltage which is a function of the sum of the time-voltage integrals of the triangular samples.

Campbell, F. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Space shuttle orbiter vehicle star tracker test program plan

The development model test program was written to provide guidance for essential star tracker test support to the Space Shuttle Orbiter Program. The program organization included test equipment preparation, prototype baseline/acceptance tests, prototype total performance tests, and prototype special tests. Test configurations, preparation phase, documentation, scheduling, and manpower requirements are discussed. The test program permits an early evaluation of the tracker's performance prior to completion and testing of the final flight models.

Smith, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A microprocessor-controlled CCD star tracker

The STELLAR (Star Tracker for Economical Long Life Attitude Reference) utilizes an image sensing Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) operating under microprocessor control. This approach results in a new type of high-accuracy star tracker which can be adapted to a wide variety of different space flight applications through software changes only. The STELLAR determines two-axis star positions by computing the element and the interelement interpolated centroid positions of the star images. As many as 10 stars may be tracked simultaneously, providing significantly increased stability and accuracy. A detailed description of the STELLAR is presented along with measurements of system performance obtained from an operating breadboard model.

Salomon, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Sun tracker for clear or cloudy weather

Sun tracker orients solar collector so that they absorb maximum possible sunlight without being fooled by bright clouds, holes in cloud cover, or other atmospheric conditions. Tracker follows sun within 0.25 deg arc and is accurate within + or - 5 deg when sun is hidden.

Scott, D. R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Star tracker error analysis: Roll-to-pitch nonorthogonality

An error analysis is described on an anomaly isolated in the star tracker software line of sight (LOS) rate test. The LOS rate cosine was found to be greater than one in certain cases which implied that either one or both of the star tracker measured end point unit vectors used to compute the LOS rate cosine had lengths greater than unity. The roll/pitch nonorthogonality matrix in the TNB CL module of the IMU software is examined as the source of error.

Corson, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Charge-coupled device /CCD/ trackers for high accuracy guidance applications

Recent advances in large area charge coupled device (CCD) imaging detectors and high speed microprocessors have prompted the development of a new class of electro-optical tracking instruments at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). These instruments are designed for standardized NASA-wide usage and are characterized by their extremely high pointing accuracy and stability and performance capabilities which are largely software defined and thus easily adapted to a variety of mission requirements. This paper presents an examination of the methods by which CCD detectors are being incorporated in star tracker instruments and the performance capabilities that can be expected from currently available devices. The multi-function sensor concept, in which a single sensor can function in a variety of guidance applications, is described. Software algorithms designed to provide efficient extraction of guidance information from both point and extended images are also presented. CCD star tracker implementations currently underway at JPL are described, and performance data obtained during laboratory testing is presented and discussed.

Salomon, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report, volume 2

Complete data from a test program designed to evaluate the performance of a star tracker, a breadboard tracker system, is presented in tabular form. All data presented was normalized to the pixel dimension of 20 micrometers. Data from determination of maximum spatial noise as it applies to the coarse and fine acquisition modes is presented. Pointing accuracy test data, raw pixel data for the track cycle, and data from equipment related tests is also presented.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1984

Optical contacting for gravity probe star tracker

A star-tracker telescope, constructed entirely of fused silica elements optically contacted together, has been proposed to provide submilliarc-second pointing accuracy for Gravity Probe. A bibliography and discussion on optical contacting (the bonding of very flat, highly polished surfaces without the use of adhesives) are presented. Then results from preliminary experiments on the strength of optical contacts including a tensile strength test in liquid helium are discussed. Suggestions are made for further study to verify an optical contacting method for the Gravity Probe star-tracker telescope.

Wright, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Retroreflector field tracker

An electrooptical position-measuring instrument, the Retroreflector Field Tracker or RFT, is described. It is part of the Dynamic Augmentation Experiment - a part of the payload of Space Shuttle flight 41-D in Summer 1984. The tracker measures and outputs the position of 23 reflective targets placed on a 32-m solar array to provide data for determination of the dynamics of the lightweight structure. The sensor uses a 256 x 256 pixel CID detector; the processor electronics include three Z-80 microprocessors. A pulsed laser diode illuminator is used.

Wargocki, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Schedule-Tracker Computer Program

Schedule Tracker provides effective method for tracking tasks "past due" and/or "near term". Generates reports for each responsible staff member having one or more assigned tasks falling within two listed categories. Schedule Organizer (SO) (COSMIC program MSC-21525), Schedule Tracker (ST), and Schedule Report Generator (SRG) (COSMIC program MSC-21527) computer programs manipulating data-base files in ways advantageous in scheduling. Written in PL/1 and DEC Command Language (DCL).

Collazo, Fernando F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Star trackers, star catalogs, and attitude determination - Probabilistic aspects of system design

Optimizing spacecraft attitude determination systems that use onboard star trackers requires analysis and evaluation of some probabilistic aspects of system design. This paper discusses methods of constructing or compiling optimum star catalogs, which are defined as uniform distributions on a sphere. Both local and global measures of uniformity on a sphere are defined. Application of these methods and measures to a specific problem is also discussed. In addition, Poisson models of star tracker acquisition probabilities are formulated to provide a useful analytical basis for designing and optimizing attitude determination systems. These analytical models and methods lead to rapid and realistic quantitative results, and should therefore facilitate making system performance trades. Use of such methods should also reduce the need for performing tedious computer simulations to obtain analogous results.

Vedder, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Fixed-head star tracker attitude updates on the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was launched in April 1990 to begin observing celestial space to the edge of the universe. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) standard fixed-head star trackers (FHST's) are used operationally onboard the HST to regularly adjust ('update') the spacecraft attitude before the acquisition of guide stars for science observations. During the first 3 months of the mission, the FHST's updated the spacecraft attitude successfully only 85 percent of the time. During the other periods, the trackers were unable to find the selected stars -- either they failed to find any star, or worse, they selected incorrect stars and produced erroneous attitude updates. In July 1990, the HST project office at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) requested that Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) form an investigative 'tiger' team to examine these FHST update failures. This paper discusses the work of the FHST tiger team, describes the investigations that led the team to identify the sources of the errors, and defines the solutions that were subsequently developed, which ultimately increased the success rate of FHST updates to approximately 98 percent.

Nadelman, Matthew S.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Color/magnitude calibration for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) standard Fixed-Head Star Trackers (FHST)

This paper characterizes and analyzes the spectral response of Ball Aerospace fixed-head star trackers, (FHST's) currently in use on some three-axis stabilized spacecraft. The FHST output is a function of the frequency and intensity of the incident light and the position of the star image in the field of view. The FHST's on board the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) have had occasional problems identifying stars with a high B-V value. These problems are characterized by inaccurate intensity counts observed by the tracker. The inaccuracies are due to errors in the observed star magnitude values. These errors are unique to each individual FHST. For this reason, data were also collected and analyzed from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). As a consequence of this work, the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) hopes to improve the attitude accuracy on these missions and to adopt better star selection procedures for catalogs.

Landis, J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Lost in space: Onboard star identification using CCD star tracker data without an a priori attitude

There are many algorithms in use today which determine spacecraft attitude by identifying stars in the field of view of a star tracker. Some methods, which date from the early 1960's, compare the angular separation between observed stars with a small catalog. In the last 10 years, several methods have been developed which speed up the process and reduce the amount of memory needed, a key element to onboard attitude determination. However, each of these methods require some a priori knowledge of the spacecraft attitude. Although the Sun and magnetic field generally provide the necessary coarse attitude information, there are occasions when a spacecraft could get lost when it is not prudent to wait for sunlight. Also, the possibility of efficient attitude determination using only the highly accurate CCD star tracker could lead to fully autonomous spacecraft attitude determination. The need for redundant coarse sensors could thus be eliminated at substantial cost reduction. Some groups have extended their algorithms to implement a computation intense full sky scan. Some require large data bases. Both storage and speed are concerns for autonomous onboard systems. Neural network technology is even being explored by some as a possible solution, but because of the limited number of patterns that can be stored and large overhead, nothing concrete has resulted from these efforts. This paper presents an algorithm which, by descretizing the sky and filtering by visual magnitude of the brightness observed star, speeds up the lost in space star identification process while reducing the amount of necessary onboard computer storage compared to existing techniques.

Ketchum, Eleanor A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

The GLAST Mission: Using Scintillating Fibers as Both the Tracker and the Calorimeter

The Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) has been identified as the next major NASA mission in gamma-ray astronomy. It will operate at energies above 20 MeV to study some of the most energetic objects in the Universe. While the baseline tracker detector for GLAST during the study phase is based on silicon strips, we believe that scintillating fibers have considerable advantages for this purpose. Among the performance advantages are: larger effective area, better angular resolution at low energies and larger field of view. Practical advantages include: lower cost, the use of a common technology for both the tracker and the calorimeter, lower power consumption, and a simplified thermal design. Several alternative readout schemes for the fibers are under study.

Fisman, Gerald J.↗