Status of the cryogenic inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe-B mission

John A. Lipa; Dz-Hung Gwo; Randall K. Kirschman

doi:10.1117/12.140876

21 January 1993 Status of the cryogenic inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe-B mission

John A. Lipa, Dz-Hung Gwo, Randall K. Kirschman

Proceedings Volume 1765, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments V; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140876
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe the status of the development and testing program for the inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe B gyroscopes. The gyroscope housings are attached to a cryogenic telescope with a 14 cm aperture that continuously points at a guide star. The star image is split to provide quadrant pointing information which is used to steer the spacecraft. This data is also combined with the gyro readout data to provide an absolute precession measurement. Motion of the guide star is independently checked by reference to background galaxies. Room temperature testing of a prototype telescope has been completed and preparations are being made for low temperature tests.

Citation Download Citation

John A. Lipa, Dz-Hung Gwo, and Randall K. Kirschman "Status of the cryogenic inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe-B mission", Proc. SPIE 1765, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments V, (21 January 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140876

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