control

Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control

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Spacecraft attitude dynamics and control is a study that encompasses kinematics, rigid-body dynamics, linear control theory and orbital environmental effects. This block models attitude dynamics using numerical integration. Spacecraft use thrusters to propel themselves in specific directions, however this approach has its limitations, including fuel usage and thruster cycle time. An alternative would be relying […]

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New Horizons Attitude Control System

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New Horizons is equipped with a multilayered thermal insulation system to retain heat produced by its operating electronics, keeping its shape and remaining precisely aligned for gathering data through instruments, communicating with Earth or maneuvering through space. Small hydrazine thrusters reorient the spacecraft 100 times every second, while star trackers and an inertial measurement unit

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The Spacecraft Thermal Control Handbook

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Spacecraft require a wide temperature range for survival and operations, with thermal control systems (TCS) keeping temperatures within specific limits via passive or active systems. Examples of passive systems include paints, coatings and surface finishes which alter solar absorptivity or infrared emission on surfaces required to absorb or release environmental heat, as well as second-surface

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Spacecraft Thermal Control Handbook

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Spacecraft thermal control systems (TCSs) ensure that a spacecraft remains within temperature limits that are appropriate to its orbit, power demand and operation. Equipment utilized includes radiators, Multi Layer Insulation blankets, two-phase devices such as heat pipes or capillary pumped loops as well as mechanical louvers and thermal switches. These systems channel heat from spacecraft

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Apollo 8 Mission Control

Apollo missions /

On December 24th, Borman, Anders and Lovell fired the third stage’s engines to align for a lunar flyby and make preparations for translunar injection. Capcom Michael Collins gave approval and declared: ‘All clear for translunar injection!” Houston trajectory specialists and computer wizards were overjoyed, knowing their calculations had come out correctly for once! What an

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Spacecraft Thermal Control Handbook

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Spacecraft equipment must operate within an acceptable temperature range to complete its mission successfully, doing this by either absorbing or rejecting heat from its environment. Hardware available to accomplish this includes multilayer insulation systems to shield equipment from excessive solar and planetary heating, thermal paints and coatings that change optical properties (such as solar absorptance

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Spacecraft Attitude Control

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Attitude refers to a spacecraft’s orientation in space. To be effective and precise in its operations, its attitude must be both stabilized and controlled to precisely point its high-gain antenna, conduct experiments aboard, and perform propulsion maneuvers. Given that attitude cannot be directly measured, its estimation must be calculated through sensor readings. Attitude determination systems

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Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control

spacecraft /

Spacecraft attitudes must be stabilized and controlled for various reasons: to point toward Earth so the high-gain antenna may work, achieve precise pointing for experiments onboard, or guide their orbital path. This integrated field investigates sensors, actuators, and algorithms which help orient vehicles to meet desired attitude requirements. Kinematics Kinematic equations describe the movement of

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