Pointing and image stability for spaceborne sensors: from comet impactors to observations of extrasolar planets

Stephen E. Kendrick; Jeremy Stober; Ian Gravseth

doi:10.1117/12.669068

15 June 2006 Pointing and image stability for spaceborne sensors: from comet impactors to observations of extrasolar planets

Stephen E. Kendrick, Jeremy Stober, Ian Gravseth

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter; 62652V (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669068
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

From hitting a comet to long-term observations to find and characterize extrasolar planets, the spacecraft platform pointing accuracy and stability are fundamental. We describe the pointing requirements for Deep Impact, Kepler, and future extrasolar planet missions such as EPIC, and the approach to allow stable long-term measurements. The guidance, navigation, and control system consists of a suite of systems which can include star trackers, gyros, fine guidance sensors, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, and active and passive isolation features. One-fifth to one-twentieth of a pixel attitude determination may be needed with stabilities an order of magnitude tighter for observations that may last thousands of seconds. 1.5 milliarcsecond 3-sigma pointing stability can be achieved for the observatory enabling precision measurements by the scientific payloads.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen E. Kendrick, Jeremy Stober, and Ian Gravseth "Pointing and image stability for spaceborne sensors: from comet impactors to observations of extrasolar planets", Proc. SPIE 6265, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, 62652V (15 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.669068

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available