Computing parameters characterizing possibility of planets falling in star camera field of view during space survey

Selection of the optimum conditions and formulation of a program for a survey of planets from a space vehicle requires the knowledge of the probability of entry of planets into the star camera field of view (SCFV) and the time of presence of a planet in the SCFV. It is assumed that the optical axis of the star camera has a random orientation at a fixed moment in time and that the point of intersection of the optical axis of the star camera and the celestial sphere at a given moment in time t is uniformly distributed in the region L of possible values of the angular coordinates alfa, delta (right ascension, declination). By integration of a system of equations of motion for the large planets it is possible to determine the geocentric radius-vector corresponding to the moment in time t and it is possible to ascertain the probability of at least one planet falling in the SCFV. The P (probability) values, are given in five tables. The data make it easy to select the optimum regimes for star camera operation for the registry of at least one planet. A solution of the second problem is presented. It is assumed that: (1) during the considered time interval the planetary motion is Keplerian; (2) the SCFV is a right circular cone whose apex coincides with the center of the Earth's mass; (3) the rotation of the optical axis of the star camera occurs with a period equal to the period of revolution of the satellite carrying the star camera. An expression is derived for the presence of a planet within or at the boundary of the cone at a stipulated time.