Dynamic yaw steering method for spacecrafts

US7143982B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ASTRIUM GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Klaus Ebert · Fränkisch-Crumbach, DE
• Wilfried Oesterlin · Feldkirchen-Westerham, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 2004
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2006
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/503
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for yaw steering a spacecraft including performing yaw steering of the spacecraft to have a yaw angle (ψ) for all sun elevation angles (β). The method further including smoothing a yaw steering motion for orbital position parameters (η) where high rotational rates {dot over (ψ)} and high rotational accelerations {umlaut over (ψ)} would occur. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.