By Research Support Instruments (RSI)
The Joint Milli-Arcsecond Pathfinder Survey (JMAPS) is an astrometric satellite program developed to measure star positions for the next generation star catalog and to serve as a technology demonstrator for future star-tracker-camera technologies. The satellite was conceived by the USNO to provide stellar positions to better than one milliarcsecond accuracy for all stars of brightness 12th magnitude and brighter. The NRL was chosen as the executing agency for integration and launch of the satellite. RSI worked with USNO during the concept development stage providing systems engineering support in establishing satellite performance requirements. Once the NRL was selected as the executing agent, RSI provided the Systems Scientist and a contamination engineer. RSI also provided program management support to the JMAPS Program Office.
