Apparatus and methods for spacecraft attitude control using a solar sail
US12202629B2 · kind B2 · utility
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23Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G2004/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An attitude control module is described for providing propellant-free attitude control and momentum desaturation to a spacecraft. The attitude control module includes at least one solar sail comprising a reflective surface for reflecting solar photons; and at least one robotic arm coupled to the at least one solar sail, said at least one robotic arm comprising at least 4 degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting the at least one solar sail relative to the spacecraft. A corresponding method for operating the attitude control module to unload excess momentum from a spacecraft is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.