Satellite spin vector control with sun sensor
US5884869A · kind A · utility
5Cited by
7References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/363
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for simultaneously controlling satellite nutation, sun angle and attitude walk using a dual-slit sun sensor and thrusters. The sun angle and nutation angles are computed from sun sensor data, and the thrusters are fired when their use improves both sun angle and nutation. Precession around the sun line is controlled by constraining firing, in the simplest case, firing only when the angular momentum is precessed directly toward or away from the sun. Precession maneuvers are implemented by commanding a new sun angle and precession plane spin phase.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.