Spacecraft momentum unload and station-keeping techniques

US8998146B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Space Systems/Loral, LLC · US

Inventors

• Byoungsam Woo · San Jose, US
• Farid Ganji · Palo Alto, US
• John Hutton Cooper · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 21, 2012
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2015
• Expiry date: May 2, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/285
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Spacecraft momentum management techniques are coordinated with station-keeping maneuvers or other delta-V maneuvers. A body stabilized spacecraft attitude is controlled, the spacecraft including at least one momentum/reaction wheel, and a set of thrusters. A first momentum storage deadband limit is adjusted, the adjustment being related to a first delta-V maneuver window. A momentum management strategy is executed with the adjusted first momentum storage deadband limit such that a first thruster firing that performs desaturation of the momentum/reaction wheel also provides velocity change beneficial to the first delta-V maneuver.