The Spacelab Instrument Pointing Subsystem /IPS/ and its utilization
Abstract
The Spacelab Instrument Pointing Subsystem (IPS), designed to provide the requirements of a wide variety of instruments with different weights, dimensions, operating modes and interfaces, is described. A three-axis gimbal system is mounted between the pallet and one end of the payload. The gimbal system is 'soft mounted' on springs and dampers, which act as a mechanical low-pass filter for Orbiter disturbances in all three directions. An optimum set of IPS operating software is programmed into the Spacelab computer for the instruments included in each mission prior to launch; changes can be made on-orbit if needed. Stabilization data are provided by a rate-integrating gyro package containing three orthogonal gyros and one skewed gyro. The pointing performance requirements and goals are discussed.
- Publication:
-
American Astronautical Society and Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt
- Pub Date:
- June 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976aans.meet.....J
- Keywords:
-
- Pointing Control Systems;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Spacelab;
- Computer Programs;
- Design Analysis;
- Flexibility;
- Gimbals;
- Instrument Errors;
- Low Pass Filters;
- Mounting;
- Optical Equipment;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation