The significance of UK spacecraft control to space science

This paper reviews some past scientific achievements and current objectives of the UK Ariel series of satellites in relation to spacecraft attitude control. It is necessarily very selective. Distinction is drawn between operational pointing accuracy and post facto attitude reconstruction accuracy. The part played by ground control centres is emphasized. The science and control system of the Netherlands - USA - UK Infrared Astronomical Satellite which will be launched in 1981 are presented in outline. Brief descriptions are given of the use in the UK of high altitude scientific sounding rockets and balloons, also for the purpose of illustrating relationships between scientific experiments and pointing accuracy and stability of the vehicles.