Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1991-11-27
1993-11-02
Barefoot, Galen
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
244171, B64G 136
Patent
active
052577597
ABSTRACT:
This invention discloses a method for maintaining a desirable orientation of the solar wings of an orbiting satellite (10) relative to the sun. A dual array of sun sensors (26,28) is positioned on a body (12) of the satellite (10) in order to get a measurement of the position of the sun relative to the body (12) once per every orbit of the satellite (10). In addition, an estimate of the position of the solar wings (16,17) relative to the body (12) of the satellite (10) is attained. The sun-to-body angle is then subtracted from the body-to-wing angle to drive an error signal which is applied to a wing driver mechanism in order to maintain the solar wings (16,17) of the satellite (10) in a proper orientation relative to the sun.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5035381 (1991-07-01), Matthews
patent: 5042752 (1991-08-01), Sarquer et al.
patent: 5133518 (1992-07-01), Plament
Otterloo, P., "Attitude Control for the Netherlands Astronomical Satellite (ANS)," Philips Tech., Rev. 33, pp. 162-176, 1973.
"TD-1A: Europe'Largest and Most Advanced Satellite," Industries Atomiques & Spatiales, 1972, author unknown.
Lockheed's ATDRSS Phase A Study Report, #LMSC-F301910, author and date unknown.
Perkins, R. J., "Sensor For Driving A Solar Panel To Track The Sun," IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 23, No. 10, Mar. 1981.
Cantor, H. P., "Low Cost Fail-Safe Tracking Units For Concentrating Solar Collectors," publication and date unknown.
P. Overly, et al., "Accurex parabolic dish concentrator" publication and date unknown.
Sobczak, I. F., et al., "Development Status Of The PDC-1 Parabolic Dish Concentrator" publication and date unknown.
Barefoot Galen
Denson-Low Wanda K.
Hughes Aircraft Company
Streeter William J.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for controlling a solar wing of a satellite does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for controlling a solar wing of a satellite, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for controlling a solar wing of a satellite will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1753154