Finding Attitude of a Spin Axis from Roll Angles

Abstract

This report describes a method for determining the attitude of a spin axis from rotational measurements between known locations. The described method goes beyond "finding down" to solve for the attitude. This solution was conceived as a method to enhance a GPS receiver on a spinning body. The method was made more general by only dealing with locations and directions and is potentially useful for a wider class of applications. The generalized problem has been solved and simulations have been run to verify the implementation of the solution. Pressure waves and electromagnetic energy could be used; systems could combine magnetic, visual, radar, IR, and acoustic information to determine attitude. The method described has received U.S. Patent 7,388,538 B1.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA540642

Entities

People

  • Andrew A. Thompson

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Algorithms
  • Antennas
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computations
  • Control Systems
  • Convergence
  • Directional Antennas
  • Doppler Effect
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Equations
  • Frequency Shift
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Simulations
  • Waves

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers