On-Orbit Identification of Inertia Properties of Spacecraft using Robotics Technology

Abstract

This technical report describes the results of a 6-month research project conducted by Dr. Ou Ma and one of his graduate students at the New Mexico State University under the AFOSR grant number FA9550-06-1-0284 starting in May 2006. In the project, a methodology of on-orbit identification of spacecraft inertia properties (i.e., the mass, the location of the mass center, and the inertia tensor) using a robotic arm was investigated. The extension of the method to using a solar array (instead of a robot) was also preliminarily investigated. The investigation was done in theory and by simulation only because of the time and funding limitations. The ultimate goal of this research is to enhance the control and operation of spacecraft for more challenging autonomous on-orbit service missions in the future.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA466116

Entities

People

  • Ou Ma

Organizations

  • New Mexico State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angular Momentum
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Computer Simulations
  • Control Systems
  • Equations
  • Identification
  • Linear Momentum
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • New Mexico
  • Simulations
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Panels
  • Spacecraft
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional

Readers

  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
  • Autonomy
  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers