METHOD OF DESCENT OF DESCENT CAPSULE; CONTROL OF DESCENT OF UNMANNED CAPSULES FROM SPACECRAFT Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes turn of spacecraft till its longitudinal axis coincides with preset direction of application of deceleration pulse to capsule. Capsule is subjected to twisting till moment of break of its coupling with spacecraft. Then, deceleration pulse is applied to capsule. Before twisting the capsule, additional turns of spacecraft are performed in pitching and yawing planes. Angles of these turns are opposite to angles of deflection in said planes of longitudinal axis of capsule from its initial position on spacecraft at moment of break of coupling. These angles of inclination are determined according to results of study of perturbing action of structural members on capsule, twisting and separation of capsule which is mounted on spacecraft. EFFECT: enhanced accuracy of touch-down. 1 dwg