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US 5,305,971 AGranted
Spacecraft control by electrochromic devices
AssigneeTRW Inc.
InventorJorge H. Decanini
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Electrochromic devices are applied to selected areas on a spacecraft. Radiant energy characteristics of the electrochromic devices are altered by applying appropriate electrical excitation signals to the devices to create a force on the spacecraft due to light impinging on the devices sufficient to alter the orientation thereof or maintain it under the action of external disturbance forces or torques.
Claims14
A method for altering the orientation of a spacecraft during flight, said method comprising:
- securing at lease one electrochromic device onto at least one surface of the spacecraft;
- and
- applying electrical excitation to the electrochromic device to cause a change in its radiant energy characteristics to create a controllable variable force on the spacecraft due to light impinging on the device sufficient to alter the orientation thereof.
Apparatus for altering the orientation of a spacecraft during flight, said apparatus comprising:
- at least one electrochromic device secured to at least one surface of the spacecraft;
- and
- drive means for applying electrical excitation to the electrochromic device to cause a change in its radiant energy characteristics to create a controlled variable force on the spacecraft due to light impinging on the device sufficient to alter the orientation thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.