Design and Tests of Simple, Inexpensive Optical Beacon for Use on Small Satellites.

摘要

A standard photography flash unit modified for automatic repetitive flashing and presetable pulse duration was tested for its utility as an aid for optically acquiring a target in low earth orbit. The relative visibility of the flash with respect to repetition rate and pulse duration was measured with two types of low-light-level TV camera systems over a range of effective distances. Optimal operating parameters for the flash were determined for its application as an optical beacon on the small satellites used in the Chemical Release Observation (CRO) experiments, part of the Infrared Backgrounds and Signatures Survey (IBSS) Space Shuttle mission. (RRH)