It is pointed out that on-orbit configuration variability is expected to be a characteristic of a space station. The implementation of such a chracteristic will present reboost and thruster control system designers with a number of new challenges. The primary requirement for the space station orbit reboost (or orbit keeping) system is to ensure system viability for extended duration and prevent an uncontrolled reentry as with Skylab. For a station in a low earth orbit, earodynamic drag will be sufficient to cause relatively quick orbit altitude decay. A propulsion system is, therefore, needed to counteract the aerodynamic drag forces and to boost the vehicle to the desired orbit altitudes. A description is given of a typical reboost operational procedure and propellant requirements. Attention is given to thruster control systems, and aspects of reboost guidance.
Orbit keeping attitude control for space station
Guidance and control 1983 ; 1983 ; Keystone, CO
1983-01-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Space Station orbit keeping control system
AIAA | 1985
|Attitude control and station keeping of communication satellite in 24-hour orbit
Engineering Index Backfile | 1963
|Hybrid-triggered orbit-attitude coupled station keeping control of a spacecraft with pure thrusters
TIBKAT | 2024
|Attitude and orbit analysis for conceptual space station design
TIBKAT | 2002
|