Bi-directional momentum bias spacecraft attitude control
US6311931A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/369
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a spacecraft having a first axis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a momentum wheel unidirectionally rotatable about a spin axis substantially co-aligned with the first axis; a momentum wheel mount for tilting the momentum wheel about at least one of two axes substantially orthogonal to the spin axis; and a processor in communication with the momentum wheel and the momentum wheel mount. The processor commands either the momentum wheel speed or the momentum wheel tilting to control the attitude of the spacecraft in a first orientation and in a second orientation inverted from the first along the first axis, using the same control law. The method comprises the steps of tilting the momentum wheel according to the control law as applied to a spacecraft attitude command and a measured attitude of the spacecraft; angularly displacing the spacecraft from a first orientation to a second orientation substantially inverted from the first orientation, and tilting the momentum wheel according to the same control law applied to the spacecraft altitude command or a new command and the measured attitude of the spacecraft. The article of manufacture compr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.