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Constant magnification optical tracking system
A constant magnification optical tracking system for continuously tracking of a moving object is described. In the tracking system, a traveling objective lens maintains a fixed relationship with an object to be optically tracked. The objective lens was chosen to provide a collimated light beam oriented in the direction of travel of the moving object. A reflective surface is attached to the traveling objective lens for reflecting an image of the moving object. The object to be tracked is a free-falling object which is located at the focal point of the objective lens for at least a portion of its free-fall path. A motor and control means is provided for mantaining the traveling objective lens in a fixed relationship relative to the free-falling object, thereby keeping the free-falling object at the focal point and centered on the axis of the traveling objective lens throughout its entire free-fall path.
MOTS - THE MINITRACK OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM
Description of the minitrack optical tracking system used for satellite tracking
Improved electro-optical tracking system
Electro-optical tracking system employs a laser beam illuminating source, an electronic laser beam deflector, and an image dissector photomultiplier. An electronic scanning transmitter and receiver follows rapid movements or accelerations of the target.
Design problems in a control system used for precise optical tracking of satellites and stars
Design problems and solutions in control system for precise optical tracking of stars and satellites
Resolution of a target-tracking optical novelty filter
The resolution of a target-tracking optical novelty filter is discussed in terms of the response time of the nonlinear medium, the speed of the target, and the resolution of the input device. Optical novelty filters using a faster nonlinear medium may have a higher output resolution. This is particularly true in the case of tracking high-speed targets. The potential of implementing high-resolution optical novelty filters using photorefractive GaAs is investigated experimentally.
Optical tracking of lunar spacecraft
Specular reflection measurements for optical tracking of lunar spacecraft
Adaptive compensation for an optical tracking telescope
The application of model referenced adaptive control theory to an optical tracking telescope is discussed. The capability of the adaptive technique to compensate for mount irregularities such as inertial variations and bearing friction is demonstrated via field test results on a large tracking telescope. Results are presented which show a 6 to 1 improvement in tracking accuracy for a worst-case satellite trajectory.
Intercomparison of the minitrack and optical tracking networks using GEOS-1 long arc orbital solutions, part 1
Minitrack and optical tracking networks compared using Explorer 29 /GEOS 1/ long arc orbital solutions
Visibility and optical tracking studies for the concentric flight plan of lunar orbit rendezvous
Visibility and optical tracking studies for concentric flight plan of lunar orbit rendezvous
Laboratory test results of the high speed optical tracking system for the Spaceborne Geodynamic Ranging System
The high speed, high resolution optical tracking system for the Spaceborne Geodynamic Ranging System employs a two-axis gimbaled pointing device that can operate from a Space Shuttle platform and can track multiple retroreflector ground targets with arcsec accuracy. Laboratory tests of the stepping characteristics of the pointing system for various step sizes and directions has shown arcsec repeatability with little wasted motion, overshoot, or ringing. The worst rms tracking jitter was 1 and 2 arcsec in the roll and pitch axes, respectively, at the maximum tracking rate of 2 deg/sec.
Intercomparison of the Minitrack and optical tracking networks using GEOS 1 long-arc orbital solutions
Intercomparison of Minitrack and optical tracking networks using GEOS 1 long arc orbital solutions
Analysis of atmospherically induced errors in an optical tracking system Quarterly report, 14 Oct. 1968 - 14 Jan. 1969
Atmospherically induced errors induced in optical tracking system
Optical tracking telescope compensation
In order to minimize the effects of parameter variations in the dynamics of an optical tracking telescope, a model referenced parameter adaptive control system is described that - in conjunction with more traditional forms of compensation - achieves a reduction of rms pointing error by more than a factor of six. The adaptive compensation system utilizes open loop compensation, closed loop compensation, and model reference compensation to provide the precise input to force telescope axis velocity to follow the ideal velocity.
The evolution of electronic tracking, optical, telemetry, and command systems at the Kennedy Space Center
A history is presented of the major electronic tracking, optical, telemetry, and command systems used at ETR in support of Apollo-Saturn and its forerunner vehicles launched under the jurisdiction of the Kennedy Space Center and its forerunner organizations.
Photon statistical limitations for daytime optical tracking
Tracking of interplanetary spacecraft equipped with optical communication systems by using astrometric instruments is being investigated by JPL. Existing instruments are designed to work at night and, for bright sources, are limited by tropospheric errors. To provide full coverage of the solar system, astrometric tracking instruments must either be capable of daytime operation or be space-based. The integration times necessary for the ground-based daytime photon statistical errors to reach a given accuracy level (5 to 50 nanoradians) were computed for an ideal astrometric instrument. The required photon statistical integration times are found to be shorter than the tropospheric integrations times for the ideal detector. Since the astrometric need not be limited by photon statistics even under daytime conditions, it may be fruitful to investigate instruments for daytime optical tracking.
Silicon retina for optical tracking systems
There are a host of position sensors, such as quadcells and CCD's, which are candidates for detecting optical position errors and providing error signals for a mirror positioning loop. We are developing a novel, very high bandwidth, biologically inspired position sensor for optical position tracking systems. We present recent test results and design issues for the use of biologically inspired silicon retinas for spaceborne optical position tracking systems.
Application of optimal linear estimation and control theory to the design of optical tracking systems
Optimal linear estimation and control theory application to high precision optical spacecraft tracking systems design