Earth oriented satellite and process for controlling the position, nutation and spin

US5957410A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG · DE

Inventors

• Ernst Bruederle · Ottobrunn, DE
• Michael Surauer · Chieming, DE
• Walter Fichter · Taufkirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 5, 1996
• Grant date: Sep 28, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/365
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A low earth orbiting satellite control arrangement according to the invention has an earth sensor for measuring roll and pitch of the satellite relative to an earth oriented moving reference system, a spin wheel mounted along an axis perpendicular to the orbital plane of the satellite for measuring spin of the satellite, and two magnet coils for generating control. A first of the two magnet coils is aligned substantially in parallel to a roll axis of the satellite, and the second is aligned substantially parallel to the yaw axis. Alternative control algorithms are disclosed for controlling attitude, nutation and spin of the satellite based on information from the earth sensor, spin wheel and an observer which is also mounted on the satellite.