Precision pointing and image stabilization for the transition region and coronal explorer solar observatory

Darrell F. Zimbelman; Joseph Burt; Marilyn E. Bruner; Theodore D. Tarbell; Chris G. Edwards; J. Roger Chen

doi:10.1117/12.241944

7 June 1996 Precision pointing and image stabilization for the transition region and coronal explorer solar observatory

Darrell F. Zimbelman, Joseph Burt, Marilyn E. Bruner, Theodore D. Tarbell, Chris G. Edwards, J. Roger Chen

Proceedings Volume 2739, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing X; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.241944
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed description of the precision pointing system and the image stabilization system (ISS) for the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) satellite mission. The TRACE spacecraft is the fourth in NASA's small explorer series of missions and is scheduled for launch in September 1997. The primary TRACE science objective is to explore the relationship between the fine scale magnetic fields in the solar surface and features in the photosphere, chromosphere, transition region and corona. Quantitative images of these regions will be collected and used to study the structure and evolution of the sun's magnetic field with a spatial and temporal resolution of one arc-second and one second, respectively. TO meet the science objectives, the instrument payload and the spacecraft attitude control system are coupled using a guide telescope. The guide telescope provides both the targeting mechanism and pointing error signals for the spacecraft feedback control system. In addition, the guide telescope generates signals used to control the active mirror of the ISS. Simulation results show that precision target pointing is maintained to less than 5 arc-seconds, while analysis indicates that the ISS reduces image motion jitter below the 0.1 arc- second level.

Citation Download Citation

Darrell F. Zimbelman, Joseph Burt, Marilyn E. Bruner, Theodore D. Tarbell, Chris G. Edwards, and J. Roger Chen "Precision pointing and image stabilization for the transition region and coronal explorer solar observatory", Proc. SPIE 2739, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing X, (7 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.241944

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