Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1994-12-06
1997-09-23
Barefoot, Galen L.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
244173, 244168, B64G 134
Patent
active
056695861
ABSTRACT:
A method for operating an orbiting spacecraft includes the steps of (a) changing a mass distribution of the spacecraft from a first mass distribution for setting a first principal moment of inertia of the spacecraft along a first axis approximately equal to a second principal moment of inertia of the spacecraft along a second axis, thereby minimizing a gravity gradient torque about a third axis; (b) performing a desired activity while the gravity gradient torque about the third axis is minimized; and (c) resetting the mass distribution back to the first mass distribution at a completion of the desired activity. The spacecraft includes a plurality of solar array panels, and the step of changing is accomplished by varying a position of at least two of the solar array panels away from a sun-pointing configuration. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing the spacecraft to resist a rotation about an axis by varying the positions of solar array panels.
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Barefoot Galen L.
Space Systems Loral, Inc.
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