Shaded Sun Sensor Modeling for Spacecraft Acquisition Performance Analysis,

Abstract

The sun sensor used in the 3-axis control of a spacecraft is modeled, and its effects on sun acquisition performance are demonstrated. The sensor is made up of the combined outputs of four discrete solar cells electrically connected in a manner to achieve the control error signals. To protect these cells from interfering reflections from the spacecraft body, a shade surrounding each cell is added. The shades produce significant variations in sensor outputs from the unshaded outputs. Acquisition control stability is influenced by the introduction of the shade. A set theoretic approach is used to obtain a model of the shaded sensor output. This model is incorporated in a rigid body spacecraft simulation, and sun acquisition performance is presented.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA003752

Entities

People

  • G. M. Manke
  • K. K. Wong
  • R. T. Uyeminami

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cells
  • Reflection
  • Simulations
  • Solar Cells
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers