Space telescope - Meeting the pointing control challenge with today's technologyThe pointing control system of the Space Telescope, which provides target-to-target maneuvering capability and precision pointing on the target star (with 0.007-arcsec stability and 0.01-arcsec accuracy), is described. Spacecraft attitude control is undertaken by onboard computer processing of attitude and rate sensor data that generates reaction wheel torque commands. The Space Telescope Operations Control Center communicates with the Space Telescope via the synchronous altitude tracking and data relay satellite system, and determines vehicle attitude more precisely by means of sun sensors, magnetometers and fixed-head star trackers. Such disturbance torques as those of gravity gradients and aerodynamics act on the Space Telescope, causing the speeds of the four reaction wheels to increase. In order to prevent the wheels from reaching a speed-saturated condition, a momentum control system is provided for the management of reaction wheel speed buildup. Attention is given to development testing and control hardware investigations and improvements.
Document ID
19820061722
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Dougherty, H. (Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Rodoni, C. (Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Rodden, J. (Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Tompetrini, K. (Bendix Corp. System Div., Teterboro, NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 82-1842
Meeting Information
Meeting: Technology for Space Astrophysics Conference: The Next 30 Years