GROUND CONTROL OF ADVANCED SPACE VEHICLE.
Abstract
The feasibility is explored of controlling the orbits and orbit positions of satellites of large area-to-mass ratio by radiation pressure. An orbit maneuvering technique was specified that would enable control of the relative spacings of a group of satellites, including equally distributed placement from a single launcher and subsequent routine corrections. Control is effected by occasional rotations about one axis to change the angle of a surface pattern relative to the velocity vector. The pattern is a sail with reflectivities on its two sides different. A system for determining optimum commands and command times for a group of satellites was determined. Performance of the method was evaluated for a variety of satellite sizes, altitudes, orbit inclinations, orbit eccentricities, and other parameters. A functional plan was prepared for the single ground station which controls the system. The attitude control of an antenna pointing satellite was studied. This communications satellite is required to aim toward two or more points on earth in succession. One or both points may be capable of transmitting, and sensing schemes have been developed for both cases. The accuracy and dynamic performance of a reaction wheel torquing system has proven satisfactory in digital computer simulations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0622812
Entities
People
- H. Alatalo
- H. Dittmar
- J. Braumiller
- Jennifer A. Miller
- L. Hart
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation