Method and system for controlling the orbit of a satellite in earth orbit
US10232959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/2425
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling the orbit of a satellite in earth orbit. The orbit of the satellite is controlled by commanding, according to a maneuver plan, a propulsion system having at least one thruster and a transporter to move the propulsion system. The maneuver plan includes at least two orbit-control maneuvers. The thrust powers of the propulsion system during the two orbit control maneuvers have respective thrust directions that are not parallel in an inertial frame of reference. Each thrust power is determined to simultaneously control the inclination and the position of the orbit of the satellite as well as to form a momentum that is suitable for unloading a device for storing angular momentum of the satellite in a plane orthogonal to the direction of thrust of the thrust power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.