초록 ▼

A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft during a transfer orbit operation is provided. The method includes providing a slow spin rate, determining the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified sensor set, and controlling the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified control law. The use o

A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft during a transfer orbit operation is provided. The method includes providing a slow spin rate, determining the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified sensor set, and controlling the attitude of the spacecraft using a unified control law. The use of a unified set of sensors and a unified control law reduces spacecraft complexity, cost, and weight.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft, in transfer orbit, spinning at a rate of substantially in a range of 0.3 degrees per second to 1.5 degrees per second in any direction of the spacecraft, comprising:designating a spin axis in spacecraft body coordinates;providing a spin

We claim: 1. A method of controlling attitude of a spacecraft, in transfer orbit, spinning at a rate of substantially in a range of 0.3 degrees per second to 1.5 degrees per second in any direction of the spacecraft, comprising:designating a spin axis in spacecraft body coordinates;providing a spin rate for the spacecraft;determining the attitude of the spacecraft using star trackers as a sole source of attitude sensor data;steering the designated spacecraft spin axis toward a spacecraft total momentum vector by commanding a reaction wheel controlling torque in a direction substantially perpendicular to both the designated spacecraft spin axis and the spacecraft total momentum vector; andperforming momentum dumping by maneuvering the spacecraft.