Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS) Design And Performance

Axel E. Hammesfahr

doi:10.1117/12.959860

3 April 1981 Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS) Design And Performance

Axel E. Hammesfahr

Proceedings Volume 0265, Shuttle Pointing of Electro-Optical Experiments; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959860
Event: 1981 Los Angeles Technical Symposium, 1980, Los Angeles, United States

Abstract

The Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS), currently under development at Dornier System, is a most versatile Spacelab subsystem providing precision pointing capabilities to any single or clustered group of scientific instruments observing inertially fixed or moving targets. The IPS comprises a three-axis gimbal system mounted to the payload aft end and a payload clamping assembly for support of the IPS mounted experiments during Orbiter launch and landing phases. The IPS control system is based on the inertial reference of a three-axis gyro package being updated by the payload mounted IPS star/sun trackers and operated in a gimbal mounted minicomputer. It enables inertial stabilization as well as slewing and target tracking operations. The functional and operational control is performed via the Spacelab S/S computer and its display and keyboard, thereby establishing a flexible and responsive operator interface in the Spacelab Module and the Orbiter AFD enabling optimized display and keyboard entries for any operational mode. The AFD accommodates in addition a hardwired panel serving for IPS emergency operations. Incorporated Experiment supporting services consist of several independent power sources, three Experiment Computer Remote Acquisition Units and direct data links to IPS and Spacelab which provide maximum flexibility for operation of independent experiment clusters and for an operational interlock between IPS and its payload.

Citation Download Citation

Axel E. Hammesfahr "Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS) Design And Performance", Proc. SPIE 0265, Shuttle Pointing of Electro-Optical Experiments, (3 April 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959860

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