Retroreflector Field Tracker

Frank E. Wargocki; Arthur J. Ray; Gerald E. Hall

doi:10.1117/12.944672

8 November 1984 Retroreflector Field Tracker

Frank E. Wargocki, Arthur J. Ray, Gerald E. Hall

Proceedings Volume 0501, State-of-the-Art Imaging Arrays and Their Applications; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944672
Event: 28th Annual Technical Symposium, 1984, San Diego, United States

Abstract

The Retroreflector Field Tracker (RFT) is an electro-optical position-measuring instrument which is part of the Dynamic Augmentation Experiment (DAE) to be used on the Solar Array Experiment (SAE), a NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) experimental shuttle payload. The tracker measures and outputs the position of 23 reflective targets placed on a 32-meter solar array to provide data for determination of the dynamics of the lightweight structure. As such, the RFT is a noncontact optical position sensor that can be used in applications such as large space structure alignment, rendezvous and docking, and surface figure control of large antennas. The basic sensor operation, tracking logic, and position algorithms are extensions of concepts developed for star tracking. The solid-state sensor uses a 256 x 256 pixel charge injection device (CID) detector; the processor electronics employ three Z-80 microprocessors. The RFT includes a pulsed laser diode illuminator to project light onto retroreflective tape targets on the solar array. The RFT measures position to within *3 millimeters for all targets on the 32-meter array, resulting in an angular resolution of 19 arc seconds (1 sigma). The data output consists of target number, boresight angles, and orbiter coordinates. The data output rate is 2 hertz. The RFT is scheduled to be flown as part of the OAST-1 payload on Space Shuttle flight 41-D in Summer 1984.

Citation Download Citation

Frank E. Wargocki, Arthur J. Ray, and Gerald E. Hall "Retroreflector Field Tracker", Proc. SPIE 0501, State-of-the-Art Imaging Arrays and Their Applications, (8 November 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944672

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available