Viking orbiter attitude control analysisTwo Viking orbiters are currently in Mars orbit. In the nearly two years since they were launched, the orbiters have successfully performed many functions including transportation of the Viking landers to Mars. The orbiters have for the last year provided relay links for lander-earth communications, and they have carried out from orbit their own scientific exploration of the planet. Crucial to the success of the orbiters has been the performance of the on-board attitude control system, which has provided the required orbiter stabilization and orientation throughout the missions. A comprehensive spacecraft and attitude control system dynamic analysis was necessary to certify the control system before launch and to evaluate its flight performance. This paper contains an outline of the analysis and of some of its results.
Document ID
19780032420
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Rodriguez, G. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Symposium on Multivariable technological systems