释义 |
minitrack|ˈmɪnɪtræk| Also Minitrack. [f. minimum-weight tracking.] A system for tracking satellites in which a very light-weight oscillator is fixed in the satellite and its position is calculated from the phase difference between radio signals received by each of a spaced pair of fixed aerials on the ground. Usu. attrib.
1956Spaceflight I. 27/2 A system of radio triangulation, called Minitrack, using phase comparison techniques, will establish the satellite's position and orbital path. Ibid. 28/1 Minitrack will enable a limited amount of research information to be telemetered to earth. 1958Observer 2 Feb. 1/3 The minitrack stations have highly sensitive directional antennae which can ‘focus’ on the satellite. They also collect on tape recorders all the information it transmits. 1961Daily Tel. 18 Jan. 20/4 One of two remote-controlled rotating aerials at the minitrack radio tracking station at Winkfield, Berks, which is now nearly ready to go into operation. 1966McGraw-Hill Encycl. Sci. & Technol. VIII. 504/1 A two-axis Minitrack system was constructed so as to measure the north-south and east-west angular positions simultaneously. 1974G. Perry in H. Miles Artificial Satellite Observing vii. 145 The NASA Minitrack system provides directional observations with an accuracy of about 100 seconds of arc. |