Precision thrust/sun tracking attitude control system for...

Details Precision thrust/sun tracking attitude control system for... Precision thrust/sun tracking attitude control system for...

2004-10-14

2008-12-16

Eldred, J. Woodrow (Department: 3641)

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Attitude control

C244S171000, C701S004000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07464898

ABSTRACT:
A system for providing precision thrust and sun tracking attitude control is provided. The system determines a proximity region and alternately engages either an ideal operational mode or a predictive operational mode based on whether a thrust trajectory vector is in the proximity region in order to provide attitude control. The proximity region is determined based on an angle between the thrust trajectory vector and a sun vector. For example, the angle is about 20-30 degrees. The system engages the predictive operational mode when the thrust trajectory vector enters the proximity region. When in the predictive operational mode, the system periodically re-calculates the thrust trajectory vector and determines where the thrust trajectory vector will exit the proximity region. Based on the determination with respect to where the thrust trajectory vector will exit the proximity region, the system provides appropriate attitude control adjustment with respect to gimbaled thrusters and solar arrays so as to reduce sun-pointing errors and keep the sun in a predetermined yaw/roll plane. The system can be used in a spacecraft including a satellite.

REFERENCES:
patent: 6186446 (2001-02-01), Tilley et al.
patent: 6237876 (2001-05-01), Barker
patent: 6629672 (2003-10-01), Goodzeit et al.
patent: 6921048 (2005-07-01), Liu
patent: 7113851 (2006-09-01), Gelon et al.

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