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US 8,282,043 B2Granted
Simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorYiu-Hung M. Ho
Life of this patent
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AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorYiu-Hung M. Ho
Estimating the term…
The present system and methods enable simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control of a spacecraft, such as a geostationary satellite. Control equations according to the present system and methods generate accurate station-keeping commands quickly and efficiently, reducing the number of maneuvers needed to maintain station and allowing station-keeping maneuvers to be performed with a single burn. Additional benefits include increased efficiency in propellant usage, and extension of the satellite's lifespan. The present system and methods also enable tighter orbit control, reduction in transients and number of station-keeping thrusters aboard the satellite. The present methods also eliminate the need for the thrusters to point through the center of mass of the satellite, which in turn reduces the need for dedicated station-keeping thrusters. The present methods also facilitate completely autonomous orbit control and control using Attitude Control Systems (ACS).
A method of simultaneous orbit control and momentum dumping in a spacecraft, the spacecraft including a plurality of thrusters, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of simultaneous orbit control and momentum dumping in a spacecraft, the spacecraft including a plurality of thrusters, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of simultaneous orbit control and momentum dumping in a spacecraft, the spacecraft including a plurality of thrusters, the method comprising the steps of:
A method of simultaneous orbit control and momentum dumping in a spacecraft, the spacecraft including a plurality of thrusters, the method comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.