SPACECRAFT MOVEMENT CONTROL METHOD Russian patent published in 2020 - IPC B64G1/26 

FIELD: astronautics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to combined control of centre of mass movement and angular orientation of spacecrafts using low-thrust engines. Engines are arranged in pairs symmetrically to the plane of axes of roll and yaw of the spacecraft, and the lines of action of their rods pass through the centre of mass of the spacecraft and are directed at an angle to the main axes of inertia of the spacecraft. Engines of pair are deviated from plane of axes of pitch and roll by some angle, and from plane of axes of pitch and yaw - at some other angle. Engines that create opposite transversal accelerations are successively turned on. Orbit section and duration of required engine activation are selected depending on current position of orbit inclination vector. Traction direction is selected based on minimum flow rate of working medium with minimum effect on spacecraft structure elements.

EFFECT: technical result is optimization of working medium flow rate for spacecraft retention by latitude and longitude, reduction of mass of electric propulsion plant and reduction of disturbing moments caused by action of engine jets.

1 cl, 4 dwg