Method for controlling satellite attitude, and attitude-controlled satellite
US8505853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/245
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling the attitude of a satellite in orbit around a celestial object, the satellite including an observation instrument, a solar panel, a radiator and a star sensor which are arranged on the satellite such that, in a reference frame associated with the satellite and defined by three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z, the observation instrument has its observation axis parallel to the Z-axis, the solar panel is parallel to the Y-axis, the radiator is arranged on one of the sides −X, +Y, or −Y of the satellite, and the star sensor points to the negative X values side. The roll and pitch attitudes of the satellite are controlled during an activity period to direct the observation instrument towards areas of the celestial object to be observed, and the yaw attitude of the satellite is controlled to keep the sun on the positive X values side and ensure that a solar panel minimum insolation constraint is satisfied during observation phases of the activity period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.