Visible-UV horizon sensor

摘要

A visible-ultraviolet horizon sensor and a method for using the same are provided for obtaining attitude information from a satellite. A plurality of detectors selectively responsive to scattered sunlight in the visible and ultraviolet spectral bands view the earth's disc at a plurality of equally spaced locations around the earth. The detectors are scanned across the earth's disc at a plurality of locations thereby generating electrical signals in response to the intensity of visible-ultraviolet radiation from the crescent or fully illuminated earth's disc. Logic circuitry is provided for processing the electrical signals applied thereto from the detectors for producing attitude information for the satellite which is indicative of the satellite's position with respect to the earth.