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A system and method for attitude control in a geosynchronous satellite to compensate for roll and yaw pointing errors consequent to orbit inclination variation from the nominal equatorial orbit plane provides for an inertially fixed momentum vector coupled to the satellite through a gimbal system pr

A system and method for attitude control in a geosynchronous satellite to compensate for roll and yaw pointing errors consequent to orbit inclination variation from the nominal equatorial orbit plane provides for an inertially fixed momentum vector coupled to the satellite through a gimbal system providing a one and preferably two degree-of-freedom relationship with the momentum vector. In a two degree-of-freedom embodiment, the momentum vector is established by spinning the satellite about an axis or providing an independent momentum wheel with the gimbal axes provided along the roll and yaw axes. Gimbal torquers torque the satellite about the inertially fixed momentum vector in a time-varying manner to effect correction of the roll and yaw pointing errors. Roll and yaw pointing errors consequent to orbit inclination drift from the nominal equatorial orbit are corrected in a fuel-efficient manner to extend the operating life of the satellite.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of correcting pointing errors in a geosynchronous satellite consequent to orbit inclination, comprising the steps of: establishing the momentum vector along an axis other than an axis normal to the equatorial orbit plane; coupling the momentum vector to the satellite through at least a sing

A method of correcting pointing errors in a geosynchronous satellite consequent to orbit inclination, comprising the steps of: establishing the momentum vector along an axis other than an axis normal to the equatorial orbit plane; coupling the momentum vector to the satellite through at least a single degree-of-freedom connection coincident with at least a selected one of the roll or yaw axes for effecting rotation of the satellite relative to the momentum vector about the selected axis, the roll axis tangential to the orbit path and the yaw axis perpendicular to the roll axis in the orbit plane; and torquing the satellite about the selected axis in a time-varying manner in synchronism with the orbit of the satellite and as a function of an orbit inclination angle i.