Accession Number:

ADA056109

Title:

Station Keeping of the Space Shuttle in the Vicinity of a Deployed Payload.

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.,

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CALIF GUIDANCE AND CONTROL DIV

Personal Author(s):

• Fey,Wayne A.

Report Date:

1978-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

27.0

Abstract:

It is desirable for the Orbiter of the Space Shuttle to remain in the vicinity of a payload after it is deployed in orbit to allow for visual inspection. A station keeping mode at constant distance from the payload as limited by safety considerations was devised. Examples of other station keeping modes are presented the maximum distance from the payload tends to be substantially in excess of the minimum. In all cases, station keeping orbits are planar ellipses relative to the payload. The adequacy of visual inspection of the payload depends on the attitude control mode of the payload, the station keeping orbit, and the line of sight required relative to the payload surface. Multiple station keeping orbits or commanded rotation of the payload may be required for adequate visibility. Author

Descriptors:

• *ORBITS
• *SPACE SHUTTLES
• *STATIONKEEPING
• LINE OF SIGHT
• DEPLOYMENT
• PAYLOAD
• VISUAL INSPECTION
• SEPARATION
• RANGE(DISTANCE)
• FLIGHT MANEUVERS
• CHECKOUT PROCEDURES
• PARKING ORBIT TRAJECTORIES
• ELLIPTICAL ORBIT TRAJECTORIES

Subject Categories:

• Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE