Station Keeping of the Space Shuttle in the Vicinity of a Deployed Payload.

Abstract

It is desirable for the Orbiter of the Space Shuttle to remain in the vicinity of a payload after it is deployed in orbit to allow for visual inspection. A station keeping mode at constant distance from the payload (as limited by safety considerations) was devised. Examples of other station keeping modes are presented; the maximum distance from the payload tends to be substantially in excess of the minimum. In all cases, station keeping orbits are planar ellipses relative to the payload. The adequacy of visual inspection of the payload depends on the attitude control mode of the payload, the station keeping orbit, and the line of sight required relative to the payload surface. Multiple station keeping orbits or commanded rotation of the payload may be required for adequate visibility. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA056109

Entities

People

  • Wayne A. Fey

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Circular Orbits
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Corporations
  • Guidance
  • Inspection
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Line Of Sight
  • Orbits
  • Parking Orbits
  • Payload
  • Relative Motion
  • Rotation
  • Space Shuttles
  • Terminal Guidance
  • Vehicles
  • Visual Inspection

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Structural Dynamics.

Technology Areas

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