The military space system technology model - A guidance, navigation and control perspective

The reply by the AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control panel to a request for evaluation of a Military Space Systems Technology Model (MSSTM) based on perceived military mission requirements in the next 20 yrs is reported. The MSSTM was developed to systematically identify future necessities and aid in planning USAF space technology programs. Consideration was given to attitude determination and navigation, acquisition, pointing and tracking, large space structure control, space operations, and systems factors. The large space structures that are expected to be developed were identified, together with ground testing trials that can be performed. It was concluded that demonstrations are needed to perform quick target acquisition and tracking and accurate pointing of large space structures.