Patent ID: 6417798
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
An arrangement for regulating a satellite comprising, on-board the satellite:a sensor adapted to detect stars as reference targets; a selection unit that is adapted to select at least one selected one of the reference targets, and that is connected to said sensor; a position determination unit that is adapted to determine respective positions of the reference targets, and that is connected to said sensor; a parameter identification unit that is adapted to estimate model parameters of at least one model of the satellite and of external interferences acting on the satellite; an updatable first memory containing a reference target catalog comprising an updatable star catalog that includes star identification data and star position data; a second memory containing a nominal trajectory of the satellite; actuators adapted to change a position of the satellite; a regulating unit that is connected to said second memory and to said actuators and that is adapted to control said actuators to regulate the position of the satellite with respect to said nominal trajectory; and a filter that is connected to said position determination unit, said parameter identification unit, said first memory, and said regulating unit, and that is adapted to revise said star position data contained in said reference target catalog based on said respective positions of the reference targets determined by said position determination unit.