Effects of a Micrometeorite Stream on the Accuracy of Astrometric Measurements by Scanning Space-Borne Instruments

Abstract

The effect of micrometeorite impacts upon the surface of a spacecraft on the accuracy of astrometric measurements made by scanning with instruments onboard the spacecraft is considered. This effect is shown to be marginal for HIPPARCOS measurements. However, disregarding this kind of effect for all the currently projected spacecraft may result in the declared measurement accuracy being unachievable. Spacecraft maintaining constant spatial orientation during measurements are essentially not subject to the errors caused by collisions with micrometeorites.