Spacecraft attitude control and momentum unloading using gimballed and throttled thrusters
US5349532A · kind A · utility
81Cited by
18References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
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Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/262
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft (201) maintains its north-south positioning by using one of two pairs of single-gimballed throttled thrusters (221-224) on a face of the spacecraft (201). The throttles (118) and gimbals (116) of the thrusters (221-224) are controlled to produce torques on the spacecraft (201) that will maintain a desired attitude for the spacecraft (201) while simultaneously desaturating the momentum stabilizing wheels ( 120, 121 ) of the spacecraft (201).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.