Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1996-12-05
1998-08-04
Grant, William
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
244164, 244166, 244173, 701 13, B64G 128, B64G 132
Patent
active
057881880
ABSTRACT:
For controlling the attitude of the body of an earth satellite placed on a low orbit, values of components of the geomagnetic field of the earth are measured along three axes of a frame of reference bound to the body. The values are derivated with respect to time, and multiplied by a gain. Currents responsive to the multiplicated derivatives are passed through magnetic torquers located along the three axes of the body to create magnetic torques that bias the body to a fixed angular position relative to the field lines of the geomagnetic field. Such steps are continuously carried out during eclipse periods. Out of eclipse periods, the pitch of the body is controlled by modifying an internal momentum in response to a signal provided by a solar sensor, so as to maintain solar generators carried by the body of the satellite oriented towards the Sun.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4071211 (1978-01-01), Muhlfelder et al.
patent: 4084773 (1978-04-01), Schmidt et al.
patent: 5123617 (1992-06-01), Linder et al.
patent: 5248118 (1993-09-01), Cohen et al.
patent: 5337981 (1994-08-01), Bender
patent: 5653407 (1997-08-01), Betheux et al.
Grant William
Matra Marconi Space France
Nath Gary M.
LandOfFree
Control of the attitude of a satellite in low orbit involving so does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Control of the attitude of a satellite in low orbit involving so, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Control of the attitude of a satellite in low orbit involving so will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1169352