Optical tracking for Japanese sounding rockets
Abstract
Optical tracking methods using high-speed cameras have been used for Japanese sounding rockets of the Mu-4S type series. Six tracking stations were employed for observations of rocket launch and trajectory including separation of sub-booster rockets and their behavior during dropping, and spread flame from rocket motor when launched. It is noted that the trackable distance of a rocket is dependent on the optical system resolving power and climatic conditions. Wind velocities are also found to influence trajectory data obtained by the optical tracking method.
- Publication:
-
International Congress on High Speed Photography Photonics, 12th
- Pub Date:
- September 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.955269
- Bibcode:
- 1977SPIE...97..513U
- Keywords:
-
- Japanese Space Program;
- Optical Tracking;
- Sounding Rockets;
- Photographic Tracking;
- Tracking Stations;
- Trajectory Measurement;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking