Sun/earth acquisition without thrusters

Details Sun/earth acquisition without thrusters Sun/earth acquisition without thrusters

1996-02-05

1998-10-27

Barefoot, Galen L.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Attitude control

244165, 244168, 244170, B64G 124

Patent

active

058268286

ABSTRACT:
Methods for performing attitude maneuvers of a spinning satellite without the use of thrusters, or with a minimal number of thrusters, are disclosed. The attitude maneuvers are primarily achieved through the use of gimballed momentum wheels and solar wing drives. Various maneuvers can be performed depending on whether the satellite has near-zero net momentum or significant net momentum. The maneuvers include sun acquisition, sun hold, Earth acquisition and inversion.

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