In an elementary review of the field, the author discusses some of the principal problems encountered in interplanetary navigation. The chief problem is controlling the direction of the space craft, which can only be accomplished by varying its velocity. Since velocity cannot be computed from the accelerometer readings of the conventional inertial guidance system, it must be obtained indirectly by means of radar, the Doppler effect or other phenomena. The other main problem is to fix the position of the space craft. Astronomical procedures are inapplicable because of lack of precision. Consequently, the two most likely procedures are: (1) observation of the planet Jupiter and its 12 moons, and (2) analysis of photographs of a number of planets and fixed stars.
Three Problems of Interplanetary Navigation
1967
9 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
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