Attitude control mechanization to de-orbit satellites using solar sails

TEKİNALP O., Atas O.

2nd International Academy of Astronautics Conference on Dynamics and Control of Space Systems, DyCoSS 2014, Rome, İtalya, 24 - 26 Mart 2014, cilt.153, ss.673-684 identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 153
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Rome
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İtalya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.673-684
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Utilization of solar sails for the de-orbiting of satellites is investigated. The proper attitude maneuver mechanization is proposed to harvest highest solar drag for Earth orbiting satellites. The maneuver is realized using a to-go quaternion calculated from body fixed frame measurements. The success of the attitude control during the continuous, as well as abrupt maneuvers is shown through simulations. The reduction in semi major axis due to the solar drag is shown to be similar in orbits with different inclinations.