Accession Number:

AD0431841

Title:

STUDY OF STATION KEEPING USING LOW THRUST (ION) ENGINES,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Soufl,R. V.

Report Date:

1964-01-08

Pagination or Media Count:

38.0

Abstract:

The problem of using low thrust engines to control the position, period and eccentricity of a satellites orbit is examined. Equations describing the motion of a satellite in response to constant low level radial and tangential thrusting are developed. A guidance logic for control of the position and period is developed using phase plane techniques. A logic for control of eccentricity is also presented. The problem of orbit determination is also considered. Expressions relating period and position uncertainties as a function of the nominal orbit parameters, tracking errors and tracking time are developed. Author

Descriptors:

• ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
• COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• MOTION
• SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITES

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE