METHOD FOR ORIENTATION OF ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITE Russian patent published in 2015 - IPC B64G1/24 B64G1/44 

FIELD: physics, control.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to controlling orientation of artificial earth satellites with solar panels. An artificial earth satellite (3) further includes a self-contained circuit for controlling orientation of the artificial earth satellite relative to the direction towards the sun (2). Upon violation of accuracy of said orientation, orientation of the artificial earth satellite is stopped using an on-board computer simultaneously relative to the direction towards the sun and the earth (1). Said self-contained circuit is turned on, and the solar panels (5) are installed in a fixed position relative to the body of the artificial earth satellite to achieve maximum illumination thereof. Resumption of orientation of the artificial earth satellite using the on-board computer is carried out at a radio command from the earth. The accuracy of orientation of the artificial earth satellite towards the sun can be evaluated from current parameters of the power supply system of the artificial earth satellite. A sign of violation of said orientation can be the beginning of operation of the power supply system in discharge mode of on-board batteries when flying outside shadow portions of the orbit (4).

EFFECT: providing longevity of an artificial earth satellite during prolonged self-contained operation thereof in space.

3 cl, 1 dwg