Figure 5. Separation and snapout. (a) Acceleration on bucket, x, as schematic function of along-track distance x. (b) Separation of payload from bucket; see text for discussion. (c) Detail of snapout; note mu-metal barrier. Figure 6. Downrange correction. Scanner employs six lasers plus timed photodetectors to determine payload location, dimensions, and orientation. Corrector charges a selected conductor within an array for electrostatic deflection of payload; payload is electrically neutral but conductor induces a charge redistribution. Correction sequence determines initial rotation axis, applies a lateral torque to payload, then redetermines rotation axis, thus yielding payload mass center location. Thereafter observed payload lateral position errors are interpreted as due to lateral velocity components of center of mass, which are electrostatically corrected. Final scan/correction steps occur atop a mountain some 75 kilometers (30 seconds flight time) downrange from launch site. DOWNRANGE CORRECTION SEQUENCE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==