Performance predictions for gyro-based satellite attitude control systems at geosynchronous altitude
Abstract
The paper examines the performance potential of gyro-based attitude control systems for synchronous communication satellites. Performance is analyzed using a decentralized Kalman filter which separates high-frequency attitude estimation and control from lower frequency calibration of disturbance torques, sensor biases, and alignments. A variety of sensing system concepts are investigated, including basic gyrocompassing with a single gyro, earth sensor and sun sensor, and sophisticated three-gyro concepts with multiple sun sensors and no earth sensors. The overall pointing performance of these systems is evaluated.
- Publication:
-
Guidance and Control Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976guco.conf....9B
- Keywords:
-
- Communication Satellites;
- Gyrocompasses;
- Gyroscopic Stability;
- Performance Prediction;
- Remote Sensors;
- Satellite Attitude Control;
- Calibrating;
- Feedback Control;
- Kalman Filters;
- Pointing Control Systems;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation