Patent ID: 6015116
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A method of stationkeeping and momentum dumping for an earth satellite wherein the satellite has a center of mass, the method comprising the steps of:positioning four thrusters in diagonally-arranged thruster pairs on a selected one of a nadir and an antinadir face of the satellite, each of the thruster pairs thereby having a north thruster and a south thruster;directing a first one of said thruster pairs so that its thruster forces are spaced by moment arms from said center of mass;directing a second one of said thruster pairs so that its thruster forces substantially pass through said center of mass;firing each of said first thruster pair to generate momentum-dumping torques in said satellite; andfiring each of said second thruster pair to generate stationkeeping velocity changes in said satellite.