Algorithm for Autonomous Longitude and Eccentricity Control for Geostationary Spacecraft

Author

B. P. Emma
Henry J. Pernicka, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

To lower satellite orbital maintenance cost, spacecraft designers are seeking flight software that provides more autonomy. Longitude and eccentricity are good candidates for autonomous control of geostationary spacecraft. The algorithm presented couples longitude control with eccentricity control. Longitude drift is modeled as one-degree-of-freedom motion and controlled with a quadratic equation predicting the subspacecraft Earth reference longitude after a predetermined amount of time. After formulation of the basic longitude control algorithm, addition of a differential corrections scheme resulted in an improved longitude error of ± 0.015 longitude. Finally, implementation of longitude control and two-part maneuvers for eccentricity control successfully met the desired mission constraints. The algorithms developed form the basis for preparation of flight software for a geostationary spacecraft scheduled to launch in the next few years.

Recommended Citation

B. P. Emma and H. J. Pernicka, "Algorithm for Autonomous Longitude and Eccentricity Control for Geostationary Spacecraft," Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Jan 2003.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/2.5071

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0731-5090

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2003 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2003