Spacecraft Dynamics and Attitude Control

DURATION: THREE DAYS
COURSE NO.: 2100

This professional course brings you up-to-date on important space flight issues while providing a complete description of satellite mission types, orbit establishment and maneuvers, attitude dynamics and control systems, attitude determination and control components and associated supporting technologies. Important relationships among dynamics, control, propulsion, and maneuvering are explained through the use of theories, applications, and many examples. Basic physical and geometric principles are stressed for maximum insight and understanding. The latest advances in attitude control systems and components are discussed. Orbit propagator methods and software are reviewed. Historical and current activities are presented with theory, terminology, and practical applications.

COURSE MATERIALS:
Includes extensive notes and reference materials.

This material is a must for spacecraft engineers, system engineers, program managers, and other professionals who require a working knowledge of orbit mechanics and satellite orbit control techniques.

Definitions of space mission types and their limitations. A realistic assessment of planned space missions. Low-orbiting constellations versus geostationary platforms. How to match a launch vehicle to a space mission. Review of every technique for satellite attitude stabilization and control. How to carry out orbital and attitude maneuvers. How natural forces influence mission design. Survey of propulsion systems and how to compute propellant loads. Review of all onboard subsystems and functions.

1. Introduction and Review of Fundamentals.
   

   Basic definitions. Review of mathematical principles. Laws of Kepler and Newton. Coordinate systems and solar system geometry. Survey of space mission types.

2. Fundamental Spacecraft Dynamics.
   

   Development of the basic equations of orbital dynamics. Fundamentals and applications of relative motion. Basic rigid body motion about the center of mass. Definitions of attitude dynamical phenomena and the rigid body equations of motion. Stability rules for a spinning satellite and energy dissipation effects.

3. Attitude Maneuvers for Spin-Stabilized Spacecraft.
   

   Historical background. Momentum precession and adjustment techniques, reorientation, attitude determination, and acquisition requirements. Discussion of the Williams patent and the famous Hughes v. America suit.

4. Attitude Determination and Control Devices.
   

   Survey of all attitude control system types including momentum-bias, zero-momentum, and dual-spinners. Attitude sensors and actuators. Principles of gyroscopic instruments and momentum-exchange devices.

5. Automatic Attitude Control.
   

   Fundamental requirements and elements for both spin stabilized and three-axis stabilized spacecraft. Discussion of example systems and design aspects for both types.

6. Special Attitude Anomalies and Maneuvering Problems.
   

   Famous anomalies in the space program. The dual-spin turn, including a simulation.

7. Orbital Ascent and Achievement.
   

   Burnout conditions. Requirements of orbit establishment.

8. Orbital Maneuvers.
   

   Discussion and applications of slightly eccentric orbit approximations. Single and double (Hohmann) impulsive orbital transfers and finite burn-time effects. Orbit plane rotation. The tracking and rendezvous problem.

9. Orbital Propagators and Standard Software.
   

   Numerical techniques. Integration techniques. DAB Orbit software. Examples.

10. Propulsion Systems for Attitude and Orbit Maneuvers.
    

    Survey of current and future satellite onboard propulsion devices. The fundamental relationships between maneuvers and propellant requirements. Examples.

11. Mission Design by Natural Influences.
    

    Geometrical interpretation of orbital perturbation effects. Sun synchronous and Molniya orbits. Station keeping requirements for geostationary satellites. Position keeping requirements for low-orbiting constellations of satellites.

12. Survey of Launcher Systems.
    

    Survey of national and international launch vehicles with the latest developments and status reports of new launch technologies. Upper stages. Future systems.