초록 ▼

Apparatus using a global positioning system (GPS) for finding out the attitude of a rotating space vehicle employs first and second antennae mounted opposite from each other on a circumference of the body of the rotating space vehicle. The antennae receive GPS satellite signals in their channels. A

Apparatus using a global positioning system (GPS) for finding out the attitude of a rotating space vehicle employs first and second antennae mounted opposite from each other on a circumference of the body of the rotating space vehicle. The antennae receive GPS satellite signals in their channels. A control and tracking loop processor monitors the signal strength in each channel. Phase errors produced by phase discriminators of each channel arc combined to produce a spin signature which is used to calculate the vehicle spin rate and vehicle attitude.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method using GPS signals to determine the position, acceleration, attitude and rotational rate of a space vehicle comprising:(a) detecting a GPS satellite signal in each of two antenna mounted 180 degrees apart on a circumference on fuselage of said space vehicle;(b) pr

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method using GPS signals to determine the position, acceleration, attitude and rotational rate of a space vehicle comprising:(a) detecting a GPS satellite signal in each of two antenna mounted 180 degrees apart on a circumference on fuselage of said space vehicle;(b) processing each of said signals in separate receiver channels to develop two phase error signals, said receiver channels having a common tracking loop;(c) calculating a signal strength for each of said signals;(d) determining from said phase error signals a frequency shift update;(e) determining a delay code shift update;(f) generating a spin signature by combining said phase error signals from each of said processing channels; and(g) calculating from said spin signature a vehicle rotational rate and attitude.