Selection of a Generic, Space Shuttle Rendezvous Method for the Air Force Satellite Control Facility.

Abstract

The Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) anticipates requirements to support future missions in which a satellite vehicle will have to maneuver to a retrievable orbit and position, relative to the space shuttle, in order effect a rendezvous. The study asks: Which rendezvous methods would best satisfy the FSCF's generic rendezvous requirements and then evaluates six current or proposed methods relative to those requirements. The recommended method would use repeater orbits, intermediate phasing orbits if necessary, and Hohmann or near-Homann transfer orbits. It would also use standard rendezvous maneuvers, such sa those used by the space shuttle, to execute the basic profile, as well as to add accuracy and flexibility in meeting mission-specific requirements. Keywords: maneuvering satellites; Rendezvous trajectories; Transfer trajectories; Satellite Vehicle orbits.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA182416

Entities

People

  • James T. Rivard

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Apogees
  • Apsides
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computer Science
  • Computers
  • Corporations
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Maneuvers
  • Space Flight
  • Space Shuttles
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Standards
  • Transfer Orbits

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

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