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Paul,

Thanks for this PDF. Very interesting use of a polaroid.

Todays DSLR cameras offer (for those with deep pockets) 24 mega pixels, 1/8000 sec. shutter speed, ISO 102400, 10 frames per second, and image stabilized fixed prime lens. An astronaut could make short work of interplanetary celestial navigation through a port hole using the latest off the shelf professional DSLR camera and an iPad.

Greg Rudzinski

[NavList] Photographic sextants
From: Paul Dolkas
Date: 30 Aug 2012 21:59
With the recent postings concerning Bris sextants in mind, I came across a paper written many years ago about a proposed camera-based navigation system for a earth orbiting or moon-bound spacecraft. This was many years before the advent of digital cameras, and the proposed system used film, which they assume could be developed quickly enough on board to be useful (!). Most of this goes strait over my head, but I'm assuming there are quite a few of you out there that this would be of use to, especially since digital technology would allow you to automate the data reduction.

-Paul
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