초록 ▼

Methods for performing attitude maneuvers of a spinning satellite without the use of thrusters, or with a minimal number of thrusters, are disclosed. The attitude maneuvers are primarily achieved through the use of gimballed momentum wheels and solar wing drives. Various maneuvers can be performed d

Methods for performing attitude maneuvers of a spinning satellite without the use of thrusters, or with a minimal number of thrusters, are disclosed. The attitude maneuvers are primarily achieved through the use of gimballed momentum wheels and solar wing drives. Various maneuvers can be performed depending on whether the satellite has near-zero net momentum or significant net momentum. The maneuvers include sun acquisition, sun hold, Earth acquisition and inversion.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for satellite acquisition comprising:nulling the momentum of the satellite, wherein the satellite has a pitch axis,spinning a momentum wheel in the satellite, wherein the momentum wheel has a spin axis,absorbing residual momentum,fixing at least one solar panel o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for satellite acquisition comprising:nulling the momentum of the satellite, wherein the satellite has a pitch axis,spinning a momentum wheel in the satellite, wherein the momentum wheel has a spin axis,absorbing residual momentum,fixing at least one solar panel on the sun,slewing about a vector substantially perpendicular to a sun line aimed at the sun,slewing around said sun line,slewing around a line aimed at the Earth until the pitch axis is equatorial normal, andterminating a pitch rate,wherein at least one of the slewing steps is performed in a state of near-zero momentum using slews transverse to the spin axis of the momentum wheel when the satellite has a near-zero momentum dual spin configuration, and wherein the momentum wheel is gimbaled off to produce a body transverse rate, then coned at a body spin rate to keep the body transverse rate fixed in inertial space.