An investigation to improve selenodetic control through surface and orbital lunar photography
Loading...
Date
1970-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Division of Geodetic Science
Abstract
For centuries man has scrutinized the moon in one manner or another and postulated theories concerning its size, shape, origin, and other general characteristics. With the passage of time and the improvement of equipment and observation techniques the desire for more explicit information concerning earth's nearest celestial neighbor has become acute. In fact, as the moment approached when man would actually set foot on the lunar surface, the need for such information became vital. The following historical review briefly outlines man's effort to improve his knowledge in one of the pertinent regions of selenodesy - selenodetic control. The remainder of this paper explores a method of improving the existing selenodetic control by employing available lunar surface photography supplemented by that obtained from lunar orbit. Following the results of this experiment an ideal model is submitted. The unknowns associated with this model are perturbed within realistic limits by a random number generation program. This provides a theoretical indication of the accuracy that could be anticipated assuming there is reasonable adherence to the suggested procedures. Finally, conclusions are drawn and reasonable recommendations are offered to improve selenodetic control by the photogrammetric transfer of known or assumed, local or astronomic coordinates of a lunar landing site to neighboring features that may be photoidentified from orbital photographs.
Description
Prepared for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas: Contract No. NAS 9-9695, OSURF Project No. 2841