METHOD OF CONTROL OF SPACE VEHICLE TURN Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; space vehicle, orbital station and special- purpose module attitude control systems. SUBSTANCE: method is realized through automatic determination of axis of turn of space vehicle in space ensuring turn of space vehicle at minimum moment of momentum, calculation of angles of turn about found axis and longitudinal axis of space vehicle for shifting it to final position; programmed angular-velocity vector is formed according to selected nominal trajectory of rotation. Control of turn of space vehicle is effected continuously with the aid of computer and programmed angular-velocity vector forming unit with angular-rate sensors and strap-down inertial navigation system connected to them. Terminal brake control of space vehicle enhances accuracy of orientation. EFFECT: enhanced accuracy of orientation; enhanced economical efficiency due to rotation at minimum moment of momentum. 3 cl, 8 dwg