Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jun 1983
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1983stia...8424848p&link_type=abstract
(American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Dec. 9, 1982) EOS (ISSN 0096-3941), vol. 64, June 21, 1983, 3 p.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Optical Tracking, Satellite Tracking, Cameras, Focal Plane Devices, Histories, Laser Range Finders, Sputnik 1 Satellite
Scientific paper
A retrospective of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Satellite Tracking Program is presented. The program was designed to track satellites with twelve internationally located cameras, each with a 20-in.-diameter aperture, a curved focal plane, and a three-element corrector cell. Also included in the program was a volunteer network, Moonwatch, that made preliminary observations with telescopes, and eventually sighted Sputnik 1 before the camera system was operational. In July 1958, sponsorhip of SAO's Satellite-Tracking Program was assumed by NASA. Observation procedures continued to improve (e.g., with long arc photography) and scientific contributions included publishing first 'Standard Atmosphere'. In the 1970's, SAO's mission changed to the support of scientific programs (particularly earth dynamics), and the cameras were replaced by laser ranging systems.
Pearlman Michael R.
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