The Technisch Physische Dienst (TPD) off-Axis Star Tracker (TOAST)
Abstract
A star tracker based on a P8600 CCD detector with microprocessor control and star image processing is described. The detector is operated at a temperature less than minus 15 C using thermoelectric cooling. The accuracy goal is 1.5" for a field of view of 5.4 deg by 8.1 deg. The guide-star magnitude limit is 6.5, which gives a 99% probability to find at least 2 guide-stars on the detectors, permitting 3-axis attitude reconstruction. The camera mode permits visual interpretation of the starfield. In acquisition mode stars are searched for in regions specified by the on-board computer. In tracking mode the ultimate accuracy is obtained for a maximum of three stars. A functionally representative model was built; software implementation is in a final stage.
- Publication:
-
ESA Special Publication
- Pub Date:
- December 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986ESASP.255..295B
- Keywords:
-
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Satellite Attitude Control;
- Star Trackers;
- Systems Engineering;
- Image Processing;
- Reference Stars;
- Remote Sensors;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation