STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF ROCKET AND SATELLITE APPROACHES TO THE CALIBRATION OF TRACKING SYSTEMS

摘要

The problem of calibration of tracking systems is reviewed at length and a specific approach to calibration is defined. Self-calibration is held forth as the logical primary goal of a program of calibration. The prerequisites to self-calibration are established and specific means for testing the concept are proposed. Results of extensive numerical simulations of postulated rocket and satellite programs of calibration of MISTRAM GLOTRAC and C-Band RADARS are reported. Special consideration is given to problems of geodetic survey. Relative costs of satellite and rocket approaches are investigated. he over-all conclusion is reached that both satellite and rocket programs of calibration are feasible, if properly designed/ but that a satellite program would yield appreciably superior results at far less cost than a rocket program of comparable effectiveness. A rocket program would be of value primarily as a supplement to a satellite program.