초록 ▼

A three axis attitude readout system for geosynchronous spacecraft operating at geosynchronous and other orbit altitudes has a two axis sun sensor, a two axis Polaris star tracker, and an infrared single axis earth sensor for use when the sun is behind the earth. The three sensors cooperate with eac

A three axis attitude readout system for geosynchronous spacecraft operating at geosynchronous and other orbit altitudes has a two axis sun sensor, a two axis Polaris star tracker, and an infrared single axis earth sensor for use when the sun is behind the earth. The three sensors cooperate with each other such that each sensor has characteristics overcoming inherent weaknesses in the other sensors. The overall system results in a highly accurate three axis readout which could not be achieved by using any of the three sensors alone. The sensor system is designed to be of low weight, low volume and low power consumption.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for three axis attitude readout for a geosynchronous orbiting spacecraft, said system comprising:a first sensor comprising a sun sensor;a second sensor consisting of a Polaris star tracker;a third sensor comprising an earth sensor; control means operatively assoc

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for three axis attitude readout for a geosynchronous orbiting spacecraft, said system comprising:a first sensor comprising a sun sensor;a second sensor consisting of a Polaris star tracker;a third sensor comprising an earth sensor; control means operatively associated with said first, second and third sensors for selectively actuating at least one of said first, second and third sensors; andmeans operatively associated with said sun sensor and said Polaris star tracker for calibrating said earth sensor for eliminating error from said earth sensor.