초록 ▼

A horizon sensor for spacecraft utilizes two or three telescopes, each imaging upon a linear array of pyroelectric elements. The telescopes are pointed at the earth\s horizon and the transition or midpoint angle between earth and space is determined in processing the output signals from each pyroele

A horizon sensor for spacecraft utilizes two or three telescopes, each imaging upon a linear array of pyroelectric elements. The telescopes are pointed at the earth\s horizon and the transition or midpoint angle between earth and space is determined in processing the output signals from each pyroelectric array. Low cost and versatility are provided with great accuracy due to, for example, use of a 32 element pyroelectric array. Such pyroelectric material is also tolerant of temperature changes and inertial forces.

대표청구항 ▼

Horizon sensor apparatus for a space craft for determining at least the attitude (namely, pitch and roll) of the spacecraft relative to the edge of the earth\s horizon, where at least two telescopes are mounted on the spacecraft (one relating to pitch and the other to roll) with their optical axes n

Horizon sensor apparatus for a space craft for determining at least the attitude (namely, pitch and roll) of the spacecraft relative to the edge of the earth\s horizon, where at least two telescopes are mounted on the spacecraft (one relating to pitch and the other to roll) with their optical axes normally pointed at such edge for a given altitude of the spacecraft above earth, the apparatus comprising: at least two linear arrays of a plurality of elements responsive to infra-red radiation from the earth\s atmosphere as projected on said arrays through said telescopes, each element of a said array being responsive to the relative presence or lack of said infra-red radiation to indicate a unique attitude, one of said elements of an array being indicative of a null condition where said optical axis of a respective telescope is pointed directly at said edge, and adjacent elements on opposite sides in said linear array of said one element being indicative of positive or negative pitch/roll displacements.