초록 ▼

A satellite (30) programmed for sun-nadir steering and having a solar wing (36) mounted to the satellite body (35) and being selectively moveable about two mutually orthogonal axes (A, B). The solar wing (36) is mounted to the satellite body (35) by a pair of gimbals (43, 45) thus allowing two degre

A satellite (30) programmed for sun-nadir steering and having a solar wing (36) mounted to the satellite body (35) and being selectively moveable about two mutually orthogonal axes (A, B). The solar wing (36) is mounted to the satellite body (35) by a pair of gimbals (43, 45) thus allowing two degrees of freedom and thereby permitting the solar wing (36) to be rotated about the two mutually orthogonal axes (A, B). A first motor (42) in operative engagement with the gimbal (43) selectively rotates the solar wing about the axis (A), while a second motor (46) in operative engagement with the gimbal (45) selectively rotates the solar wing about the second axis (B). A control circuit (40) is in operative engagement with the first and second motors and selectively causes the first motor to rotate the solar wing about the first axis to a predetermined position, and selectively causes the second motor to rotate the solar wing about the second axis to a predetermined position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.]1. A satellite (30) for use in a non-geostationary orbit, comprising:a satellite body (35);an onboard attitude control system (32) programmed for sun-nadir steering;a solar wing (36) mounted to the satellite body by a gimbal (43,45), the gimbal having two degrees of freedom t

[ What is claimed:] [1.]1. A satellite (30) for use in a non-geostationary orbit, comprising:a satellite body (35);an onboard attitude control system (32) programmed for sun-nadir steering;a solar wing (36) mounted to the satellite body by a gimbal (43,45), the gimbal having two degrees of freedom to thereby permit the solar wing (36) to be rotated about two mutually orthogonal axes (A, B), the solar wing (36) including at least one solar array;a first motor (42) in operative engagement with the gimbal (43) for selectively rotating the solar wing about a first axis (A);a second motor (46) in operative engagement with the gimbal (45) for selectively rotating the solar wing (36) about a second axis (B); anda control circuit (40) in operative engagement with the first and second motors (42, 46) for selectively causing the first motor to rotate the solar wing about the first axis to a predetermined position and for selectively causing the second motor to rotate the solar wing about the second axis to a predetermined position.