Aeroballistic analyses for the Atmospheric Compensation Experiment

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5333409

Millard, W A

The Atmospheric Compensation Experiment (ACE) involved illuminating a sounding rocket payload with a low power laser from the Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS), Mt. Haleakala, HI. This experiment, sponsored by DARPA and SDIO, included four launches of Terrier Malemute II rocket vehicles from the Kauai Test Facility during the period July through Dec., 1985. The purpose of ACE was to demonstrate an adaptive optics technology that allowed the efficient transfer of power from the laser to the space target. This paper discusses the rationale used in selecting the launch site and the requirements for the carrier rocket system. Each payload carried a light detector array along its longitudinal axis, and it was necessary that this array be oriented perpendicular to the line of sight from AMOS to the payload. The design requirements for the payload attitude control system to satisfy this requirement are presented. Flight test results from the four tests showing flight performance and payload pointing data are included.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA). Aerospace Projects Div.
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5333409
• Report Number(s): SAND-86-0717C; CONF-8610126-1; ON: DE86014729
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
ENGINES
FLIGHT TESTING
MISSILES
PERFORMANCE
ROCKET ENGINES
TESTING