Oxygen Horizon Seeker, Theoretical Analysis

摘要

This report is a theoretical analysis dealing with the physics of using the oxygen horizon for vertical sensing. The data resulting from this analysis deals with the profile of the oxygen horizon as seen by an orbiting vehicle. This report contains brightness temperatures and extensions of the original work accomplished by Lilley and Meeks. Limb brightening and angular slope of the oxygen mantle are described in detail, and the effects of varying limb temperatures and its result on vertical sensing accuracies are included in this report. The system parameters which would be required to perform vertical sensing experiments and have resulted from this theoretical analysis are also included in this report. Results and conclusions are presented to substantiate the feasibility of this experiment.