Title :
Performance of a day time star sensor for a stabilized balloon platform
Author :
Rossi, E. ; Cocco, G.D. ; Donati, A. ; Traci, A. ; Quadrini, M. ; Villa, G. ; Ashton, T. ; Court, A.J.
Author_Institution :
ITESRE/CNR, Bologna, Italy
Abstract :
A modified version of a CCD (charge-coupled device) star tracker originally designed for use on the ROSAT X-ray astronomy satellite has been built for use on a three-axis-stabilized balloon platform. The first flight of this star sensor was planned for May 1988 from the NASA balloon base at Palestine, Texas. Descriptions are given of the star sensor head, flight electronics, and steering system. The expected performance of this instrument is described along with the preflight results, which confirm its performance.<>
Keywords :
CCD image sensors; astronomical instruments; AD 1988 05; CCD; NASA balloon base; Palestine; ROSAT X-ray astronomy satellite; Texas; charge-coupled device; day time star sensor; flight electronics; performance; preflight results; stabilized balloon platform; steering system; Charge coupled devices; Extraterrestrial measurements; Gamma ray detectors; Optical design; Optical filters; Optical sensors; Position measurement; Sensor systems; Sun; Telescopes;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
