A microprocessor-controlled CCD star tracker
Abstract
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.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Aerospace Sciences Meeting
- Pub Date:
- January 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976aiaa.meetU....S
- Keywords:
-
- Airborne/Spaceborne Computers;
- Attitude Control;
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Microprocessors;
- Pointing Control Systems;
- Star Trackers;
- Algorithms;
- Attitude Stability;
- Centroids;
- Computer Techniques;
- Cost Effectiveness;
- Instrument Errors;
- Service Life;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation