THE UTILIZATION OF GROUND OBSERVATIONS FOR ATTITUDE CONTROL OF AN ORBITING VEHICLE.
Abstract
A laboratory test program was conducted to determine the feasibility of a ground-controlled remote maneuvering unit (RMU) performing as a maneuverable satellite. A gyro-stabilized nitrogen-powered RMU mounted in a five-degree-of-freedom simulator and equipped with a television camera was employed in this exercise. Experiments were conducted to determine whether a ground controller can position and maintain the vehicle in a desired orientation with respect to the earth when his only information is a television picture of the earth shown on a monitor screen. Four subjects completed a series of test runs designed to identify the roll, pitch, and yaw displacement errors. This error data was then statistically evaluated to allow prediction of anticipated control tolerances. Yaw and pitch errors on the order of 1 degree and less and roll errors of 3 degrees and less were demonstrated during the experiment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0816148
Entities
People
- James D. Wilger
- Robert G. Clodfelter