Satellite attitude sensor with microbolometer detector arrays

Paul J. Thomas; Charles H. Hersom; Gilbert Pitre; Mayes Mullins; Allan Bernard Hollinger; Doug Staley; Zvika Afik; Nikolay Stoev; David R. Demmer

doi:10.1117/12.325619

3 October 1998 Satellite attitude sensor with microbolometer detector arrays

Paul J. Thomas, Charles H. Hersom, Gilbert Pitre, Mayes Mullins, Allan Bernard Hollinger, Doug Staley, Zvika Afik, Nikolay Stoev, David R. Demmer

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3439, Earth Observing Systems III; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.325619
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Satellite Attitude Sensor (SAS) utilizes IR bolometer arrays to perform the role of a staring horizon sensor with good accuracy and a wide field of view that avoids mechanical scanning. An innovative concept has resulted in simple and inexpensive design suitable for the requirements of both low and high altitude orbits. Although SAS was designed especially for Earth-observing micro-satellites, it is applicable to satellites with geosynchronous or highly elliptical orbits and the update rate is sufficient for use with a spinning satellite or a rocket. The ability of the sensor to operate in both spinning and 3-axis stabilized modes will allow it to fulfill the needs of large variety of scientific and remote sensing applications. Laboratory test are in process to verify the design.

Citation Download Citation

Paul J. Thomas, Charles H. Hersom, Gilbert Pitre, Mayes Mullins, Allan Bernard Hollinger, Doug Staley, Zvika Afik, Nikolay Stoev, and David R. Demmer "Satellite attitude sensor with microbolometer detector arrays", Proc. SPIE 3439, Earth Observing Systems III, (3 October 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.325619

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