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Science Observations with the IUE Using the One Gyro Mode

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

C. Imhoff ,
R. Pitts ,
R. Arquilla ,
C. Shrader ,
M. Perez  and
J. Webb
C. Imhoff
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
R. Pitts
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
R. Arquilla
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
C. Shrader
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
M. Perez
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
J. Webb
Affiliation:
Astronomy Programs, Computer Sciences Corporation, 10000 A Aerospace Road, Lanham-Seabrook, MD20706

Abstract

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The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) is a geosynchronous orbiting telescope launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on January 26, 1978, and operated jointly by NASA and the European Space Agency. The science instrument consists of two spectrographs which span the wavelength range of 1150 to 3200 Å and offer two dispersions with resolutions of 6 Å and 0.2 Å. The spacecraft’s attitude control system originally included an inertial reference package containing 6 gyroscopes for 3-axis stabilization. The science instrument includes a prime and redundant Field Error Sensor (FES) camera for target aquisition and offset guiding. Since launch, 4 of the 6 gyroscopes have failed. The current attitude control system utilizes the remaining 2 gyros and a Fine Sun Sensor (FSS) for 3-axis stabilization. When the next gyro fails, a new attitude control system will be uplinked which will rely on the remaining gyro and the FSS for general 3-axis stabilzation. In addition to the FSS, the FES cameras will be required to assist in maintaining fine attitude control during target aquisition. This has required thoroughly determining the characteristics of the FES cameras and the spectrograph aperture plate as well as devising new target acquisition procedures. The results of this work are presented.

Type
V. Long Term Future Issues
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 123: Observatories in Earth Orbit and Beyond , 1990 , pp. 517 - 520
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1990