초록 ▼

A satellite embodying at least one surface intended mainly for exposure to solar radiation and extending away from the satellite in a predetermined direction (Y), an onboard computer having connected thereto an attitude sensing system, an orbit control system for imparting thrust to the satellite al

A satellite embodying at least one surface intended mainly for exposure to solar radiation and extending away from the satellite in a predetermined direction (Y), an onboard computer having connected thereto an attitude sensing system, an orbit control system for imparting thrust to the satellite along predetermined axes, and an attitude control system. The satellite further embodies a device for controlling the tilt of the surface in parallel with a plurality of planes containing the predetermined direction; and, therefore, particularly in parallel with the plane of a solar panel forming the surface. The tilt control device is controlled by the onboard computer. The tilting can generate a moment of pitch or relocate the center of gravity onto the axis of the orbit control system.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for controlling the attitude of a yaw, roll and pitch three-axis stabilized satellite about a predetermined attitude control axis, said apparatus comprising: a satellite body; an onboard computer mounted to said satellite body; an orbit correction and attitude sensor propulsion system i

An apparatus for controlling the attitude of a yaw, roll and pitch three-axis stabilized satellite about a predetermined attitude control axis, said apparatus comprising: a satellite body; an onboard computer mounted to said satellite body; an orbit correction and attitude sensor propulsion system in communication with said onboard computer; and attitude control means mounted to said satellite body, said attitude control means comprising: at least one member having a flat surface extending in a direction away from said satellite body for exposure to solar radiation pressure, said flat surface having a central axis; means for rotating said flat surface of said at least one member, said rotating means interconnecting said at least one member with said satellite; said rotating means having a central axis and mounted to said satellite with said central axis substantially coaxial with said predetermined attitude control axis; and means mounted to said satellite body for tilting said flat surface of said at least one member with respect to said predetermined attitude control axis, said tilting means mounted adjacent said means for rotating such that said tilting means tilts said central axis of said flat surface of said at least one member while under the influence of said onboard computer, said rotating means rotating said flat surface of said at least one member such that said flat surface is substantially transverse to said solar radiation pressure so as to generate correction torques about said predetermined attitude control axis to offset disrupting torques generated by attitude disturbances by action of said solar radiation pressure on said satellite body.