Relative attitude of large space structures using radar measurements
Abstract
The need for accurate knowledge of relative attitude and attitude rate for station-keeping and docking of large (350 ft. diameter) space structures, is studied. It is shown that enhanced accuracy may be obtained by making use of radar measurements between the center of one structure and outlying points on the extended structure of another. In addition, the results of a covariance analysis of a sequential measurement filter are used to evaluate the adequacy of a candidate radar/transponder system for station-keeping at 1000 ft and 10 ft. It is concluded for the mission in question that two transponders capable of providing range, range-rate, azimuth and elevation data, should be located on the outlying structure of the chase vehicle near the docking interface, while a third transponder on the center column completes a minimal set suitable for long or short range tracking.
- Publication:
-
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Conference
- Pub Date:
- June 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979aiaa.confW....B
- Keywords:
-
- Attitude Indicators;
- Error Analysis;
- Large Space Structures;
- Radar Measurement;
- Spacecraft Docking;
- Instrument Errors;
- Range And Range Rate Tracking;
- Space Shuttle Orbiters;
- Stationkeeping;
- Transponders;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking