Method and apparatus for intelligent attitude and orbit control onboard a satellite
US6024327A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/247
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved intelligent control apparatus and method of a satellite where the orbit and attitude control are executed autonomously onboard the satellite. The satellite makes an intelligent decision whether the satellite should be in normal operations mode or in the contingency mode, and if the satellite is in the normal mode, then attitude and orbit of satellite is controlled autonomously to maintain the predetermined attitude and orbit. If the satellite is in the contingency mode, then the satellite decides whether there is collision danger and executes emergency orbit maneuver automatically if such danger exists. Furthermore the satellite checks for the anomaly functioning sensors and actuators, and discontinues their usage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.