Satellite Spin Axis Control,

Abstract

Satellite attitude control comprises two parts: determining the orientation in inertial space and positioning a spin axis in this space. Two measured spherical angles of the sun and one computed angle for the earth are used in describing acquisition of the spin axis, avoiding ambiguities in the calculated angles. Maneuvering the spin axis by intermittent thruster pulses can be determined from expressions for rigid-body dynamics adjusted for the motion of the satellite and its spin axis. Errors and error estimates that enter both parts have been treated; nonimpulsive thrusts and nonconstant spin rates were also considered.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 31, 1974
Accession Number
ADA005395

Entities

People

  • Duncan Grant

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Ambiguity
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude (Inclination)
  • Dynamics
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Satellite Attitude Control
  • Satellite Orientation
  • Thrust
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers