Spacecraft constellation formation keeping using inter-spacecraft distance measurement
US6553286B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
5References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/244
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling a spacecraft comprising the steps of providing a first spacecraft in a known first predetermined orbit, and a second spacecraft in a second predetermined orbit. The distance between the first and second spacecraft is measured. The measured distance and data describing the known first predetermined orbit are used for determining an orbital error bias of the second spacecraft relative to the second predetermined orbit. The second spacecraft is maneuvered to compensate for the orbital error bias, and to maintain the second spacecraft in the second predetermined orbit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.