Method and system for formationkeeping between orbiting spacecraft by varying their ballistic coefficients
US5806801A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/244
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and system for formationkeeping between two or more orbiting spacecraft by controlling the surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of perturbative forces acting on the spacecraft. The actual position of each spacecraft is sensed and the distance between the spacecraft is computed. If this separating distance exceeds acceptable tolerances, the affected spacecraft are commanded to change their orientation so that the total surface area facing the direction of motion is altered. Alternatively, the total surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of solar pressure can be altered. As a result, the forces acting on the spacecraft are altered which alters spacecraft position and velocity. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, surface area variations of individual spacecraft are used to maintain the planar separation between adjacent constellations of orbiting spacecraft at desired distances.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.