Patent ID: 8282043
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
1. A method of simultaneous orbit control and momentum dumping in a spacecraft, the spacecraft including a plurality of thrusters, the method comprising the steps of: generating a first set of firing commands for the thrusters from solutions to momentum dumping and drift control equations; and firing the thrusters according to the first set of firing commands, wherein the momentum dumping and drift control equations for the first set of firing commands are defined as where Δ{right arrow over (H)}=momentum dumping requirement (vector) in orbit frame ΔP {right arrow over (R)} {right arrow over (F)} Δt C C {right arrow over (r)} and wherein the method further comprises the step of: generating a second set of firing commands for the thrusters from solutions to momentum dumping/drift and eccentricity control equations, wherein the momentum dumping/drift and eccentricity control equations are defined as where {right arrow over (H)}=momentum dumping requirement (vector) in orbit frame Δ{right arrow over (H)} ΔP ΔP ΔP {right arrow over (R)} {right arrow over (F)} Δt λ C C {right arrow over (r)}