See listJAN 25 196767-FM1-12FM/Deputy Chief, Mission Planning and Analysis DivisionWhy does the AAP command module need a sextant?
Use of horizon scanners for AAP earth orbital missions would considera- bly reduce the crew's workload and would eliminate the operational constraint of only being able to align the platform when the spacecraft is in darkness. I realize the use of horizon scanners has already been suggested and is being investigated.
The reason for this note is to point out that if we put a radar on the AAP command module to take care of rendezvous and put horizon scanners on to line up the platform, I really can't think of any reason why we need that sextant any more. Of course, I haven't thought much about it, but it seems to me there might be a considerable saving of weight to go that way as well as making the spacecraft a heck of a lot better for general purpose, earth orbital missions.