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Operationally Responsive Spacecraft Using Electric Propulsion, Thomas C. Co
Operationally Responsive Spacecraft Using Electric Propulsion, Thomas C. Co
Theses and Dissertations
A desirable space asset is responsive and flexible to mission requirements, low-cost, and easy to acquire. Highly-efficient electric thrusters have been considered a viable technology to provide these characteristics; however, it has been plagued by limitations and challenges such that operational implementation has been severely limited. The technology is constantly improving, but even with current electric propulsion, a spacecraft is capable of maneuvering consistently and repeatedly in low-Earth orbit to provide a responsive and flexible system. This research develops the necessary algorithm and tools to demonstrate that EP systems can maneuver significantly in a timely fashion to overfly any target …
Development Of A Star Tracker-Based Reference System For Accurate Attitude Determination Of A Simulated Spacecraft, Jorge G. Padro
Development Of A Star Tracker-Based Reference System For Accurate Attitude Determination Of A Simulated Spacecraft, Jorge G. Padro
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research effort is to investigate the analysis, design, integration, testing, and validation of a complete star tracker and star field simulator system concept for AFIT's satellite simulator, SimSat. Previous research has shown that while laboratory-based satellite simulators benefit from star trackers, the approach of designing the star field can contribute significant error if the star field is generated on a flat surface. To facilitate a star pattern that better represents a celestial sky, a partially hemispherical dome surface is suspended above SimSat and populated with a system of light emitting diodes of various intensities and angles …