Operational Experience of the Miranda (X4) Satellite Attitude Control System.
Abstract
Miranda (X4) is the first British technological satellite to carry an active three-axis attitude control system. The short-term attitude reference is obtained from a set of strap-down integrating rate gyroscopes. Control torquing is provided by cold-gas stored-liquid propane jet system. Novel signal processing is used to provide a high quality of limit-cycle operation. In two axes the inertial reference is updated by a fine sun sensor. In the third axis, normal operation involves solely the gyroscope reference, but provision is made to update to a stellar reference, using an experimental star sensor. Despite some malfunction of the gas pressure regulation, the satellite has achieved its experimental objectives. This report describes briefly the attitude control system, and assesses its performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA023725
Entities
People
- W. G. Hughes
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment