Method of commanding an attitude control system and attitude control system of a space vehicle
US9617015B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/1021
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling an attitude control system (30) for a space vehicle (10), the attitude of the space vehicle being controlled during at least one preparation phase followed by an observation phase during which an image capture is performed. In an attitude control system that includes a maneuvering subsystem (300) which includes at least one reaction wheel, the method includes, during the at least one preparation phase, a preparation step (50), during which commands are issued to the maneuvering subsystem in order to control the attitude of the space vehicle, followed by a step (55) of stopping the at least one reaction wheel prior to the observation phase. In addition, during the observation phase, a fine control subsystem (310) having a lower vibration signature than that of the maneuvering subsystem, is sent commands in order to control the space vehicle's attitude. An attitude control system for a space vehicle is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.