Autonomous spacecraft controller and related method

Details Autonomous spacecraft controller and related method Autonomous spacecraft controller and related method

1985-03-08

1988-03-15

Peters, Jr., Joseph F.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

With special crew accommodations

244169, 244164, B64G 136

Patent

active

047307986

ABSTRACT:
A controller for effecting transistion of a spacecraft from one orbit to another without reliance on ground-based control stations. The controller as disclosed includes at least two conical earth sensors which are normally employed for detection and control of spacecraft orientation, to provide signals indicative of altitude. When the spacecraft altitude is below a selected threshold, the controller activates a rocket motor to raise the high point of the orbit. A second comparison, with a low threshold value of sensed angular diameter of the earth, indicates when a desired orbital altitude is first reached. The controller, and a related method for its use, enable a spacecraft to effect a transistion between orbits without complex on-board computers and without significant control from the ground.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3359407 (1967-12-01), Paige
patent: 3490719 (1970-01-01), Gantor et al.
patent: 3643897 (1972-02-01), Johnson
patent: 4174819 (1979-11-01), Bruderk et al.

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