Measuring arrangement useful for controlling the attitude of a three-axis stabilized satellite, corresponding evaluation process, regulating system and process

US5558305A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Deutsche Aerospace AG · DE

Inventors

• Michael Surauer · Chieming, DE
• Helmut Bittner · Munich, DE
• Walter Fichter · Taufkirchen, DE
• Horst Fischer · Hilden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 1994
• Grant date: Sep 24, 1996
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/369
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A measurement arrangement is useful for controlling the attitude of a three-axis stabilized satellite equipped with sun-sensors for determining the orientation of the sun (sun vector) with respect to a satellite-fixed coordinate system, as well as with speed gyroscopes for detecting components of the satellite speed of rotation vector .omega.. It is necessary that the measurement range of the sun-sensors cover the round angle in a preselectable plane (for example XY plane) and perpendicularly thereto a limited angular range of maximum .+-..alpha..sub.2max on both sides of the plane. In addition, only an integrating speed gyroscope carrying out measurements in a single measurement axis that encloses with the plane an angle of at least (.pi./2)-.alpha..sub.2max should be provided. Also disclosed are an evaluation process for determining the satellite speed of rotation, as well as the satellite deviation with respect to a direction of reference, a regulating system for carrying out attitude control maneuvers using the measurement arrangement and the evaluation process, and a corresponding regulating process.