The communications antenna on a spin stabilized spacecraft is seldom located on the spin axis, hence, the antenna is in motion relative to the center of mass of the spacecraft. The Doppler shift observed at the ground or space relay communications receivers will include oscillations whose frequency and amplitude are functions of the motion of the antenna and the attitude of the spacecraft relative to the line of sight (LOS). This functional dependence creates the possibility of estimating attitude parameters from Doppler measurements. This paper presents mathematical models of Doppler oscillations from spinning spacecraft, including the effects of nutation. Algorithms for estimating spin rate, attitude and nutation angle are described. Results of analysis of Doppler tracking of GOES-8 and WIND are also discussed.
Telemetry down-Link Doppler as an Attitude Sensor for Spin Stabilized Spacecraft
1995
14 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Technology , Meteorological Data Collection, Analysis, & Weather , Doppler effect , Doppler radar , Downlinking , Mathematical models , Radar tracking , Satellite antennas , Satellite orientation , Satellite-borne radar , Spin stabilization , State estimation , Telemetry , Algorithms , Angular velocity , Center of mass , Equations of motion , Line of sight , Moments of inertia , Nonstabilized oscillation , Nutation , Parameter identification , State vectors
Telemetry Down-link Doppler as an Attitude Sensor for Spin Stabilized Spacecraft
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995
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