Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1988-12-09
1990-02-06
Barefoot, Galen
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
244176, 244 316, B64G 124
Patent
active
048983497
ABSTRACT:
An intermediate-distance method for approach or separation of a spacecraft relative to a target vehicle is used in a range of distances of a few meters to a few tens of kilometers when the vehicles are in coplanar low Earth orbits. The method establishes a local horizontal at one vehicle, and propulsion is applied to maintain a line between the target vehicle and spacecraft at a constant angle relative to the local horizontal. The method is particularly attractive for use when the only information conveniently available is bearing (angle) and possibly bearing rate. When the orbits are not coplanar, thrust is applied in the cross-orbital-plane direction with an amplitude which is a maximum at the moment that one spacecraft lies in the orbital plane of the other.
REFERENCES:
"Terminal Guidance System For Satellite Rendezvous" by Clohessy et al., published in the Journal of the Aerospace Sciences, Sept. 1960.
"Safe Rendezvous Approach To A Space Station By Impulsive Transfers And Continuous Thrust Arcs" by Eckstein, published by the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference held Aug. 10-13, 1987.
Barefoot Galen
General Electric Company
Meise William H.
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