Attitude determination and control system (ADCS)

US12103713B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Triad National Security, LLC · US

Inventors

• Nicholas Dallmann · Los Alamos, US
• James Wren · Los Alamos, US
• Michael Proicou · Los Alamos, US
• Hannah Mohr · Los Alamos, US
• Jerry Delapp · Los Alamos, US
• John Martinez · Minersville, US
• Daniel Seitz · Altstätten, CH
• Paul Stein · Los Alamos, US
• Adam Warniment · Los Alamos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2024
• Expiry date: Aug 24, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/363
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An attitude determination and control system (ADCS) may include relatively large momentum wheels (i.e., reaction wheels) for improved momentum storage and magnetic torque rods that enable low power sun pointing and dissipate angular momentum imparted during deployment or by differential drag on the space vehicle. The momentum wheels, magnetic torque rods, or both may be algorithmically selected and driven to perform various maneuvers.