A high bandwidth, sub-arc second, two degree of freedom image motion compensator has been developed to enhance pointing stability of shuttle based optical telescope experiments. The mechanism design includes a gimbal-type flex pivot suspension, a novel ironless two axis forcer and a differential capacitive tilt sensor system capable of sub-arcsecond performance. The image motion compensator was developed to permit the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope sensor, part of the Astro-1 scientific instrument cluster, to maintain stringent pointing requirements for extended integration intervals while experiencing perturbations typical of those expected from a manned orbiter background. The servo control system, which encompasses other sensors and pointing capabilities, is briefly discussed.

Date Published: 3 May 1988
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 0887, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing II, (3 May 1988); doi: 10.1117/12.944214

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0887:
Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing II
James E. Kimbrell, Editor(s)