ASTRO 1M: a new system for attitude determination in space

Christian Elstner; Gert Lichtenauer; Waldemar Skarus

doi:10.1117/12.45631

1 July 1991 ASTRO 1M: a new system for attitude determination in space

Christian Elstner, Gert Lichtenauer, Waldemar Skarus

Proceedings Volume 1478, Sensors and Sensor Systems for Guidance and Navigation; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45631
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

ASTRO-type systems for autonomous attitude determination in space are introduced. They recognize stars which are registered in the field of view (FOV) of a star sensor by using an on- board star catalogue for subsequent attitude determination in the 2nd equatorial coordinate system. The star sensor utilizes a Peltier-cooled CCD array in the focal plane of a 1.4/100 mm lens which realized a FOV of 5.3 degree(s) X 8 degree(s). A first microprocessor system reduces the CCD readout data to the images of the registered stars and subsequently computes the exact star positions. A second microprocessor system realizes the attitude determination and is able to handle up to three star sensors simultaneously. Utilizing more than one star sensor in a nearly orthogonal configuration allows a 3-axes attitude determination with high accuracy. The first ASTRO type system--the ASTRO 1--was designed and manufactured from 1984 to 1987 and launched in November 1989 on Module D to the Soviet MIR space station. Test results demonstrate that the in-orbit performance is better than specified. The star sensor registered stars up to 8.0 mv and the measurement accuracy for attitude determination is characterized by 1 - 2 arcsec. Currently, the advanced ASTRO 1M system is under development. It serves as a subsystem of the attitude measurement and control system (AMCS) of the Soviet SPEKTR-RG satellite, where it provides both initial attitude information and an absolute attitude reference to update the gyros.

Citation Download Citation

Christian Elstner, Gert Lichtenauer, and Waldemar Skarus "ASTRO 1M: a new system for attitude determination in space", Proc. SPIE 1478, Sensors and Sensor Systems for Guidance and Navigation, (1 July 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45631

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