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New Methods of Determining Spacecraft Attitude

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

R. Pitts ,
T. Jackson  and
Gilmozzi R.
R. Pitts
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory/NASA and Astronomy Programs, Computer Sciences Corporation, 10000A Aerospace Road, Lanham-Seabrook, MD20706
T. Jackson
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory/NASA and Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, One Bendix Road, ColumbiaMD 21045
Gilmozzi R.
Affiliation:
IUE Observatory/ESA and ESA/Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD21218

Abstract

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The IUE spacecraft was launched with prime and redundant mechanical Panoramic Attitude Sensors (PAS) to determine coarse spacecraft pointing. Attitude determination typically took at least 24 hours. After launch both systems failed. A new method was developed which required pointing the spacecraft at the antisolar position. After the failure of the 4th IUE gyro, it was no longer possible to point in the antisolar direction. A second method was developed which utilizes IUE’s ability to track the sun with a solid state two-dimensional sun sensor. Attitude determination can now be completed in several hours. An hour is required for coarse position measurement and several more hours are needed, using a small 15 arc minute square finder camera, for final attitude confirmation. These methods should be of use for other spacecraft where weight is critical or there is a desire to avoid mechanical devices.

Type
V. Long Term Future Issues
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 123: Observatories in Earth Orbit and Beyond , 1990 , pp. 521 - 524
Copyright
Copyright © Kluwer 1990

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