On June 3, 2000, the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) successfully entered the Earth's atmosphere over the targeted Pacific Ocean. This is the first time NASA has conducted a controlled reentry of an unmanned spacecraft from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The criticality of this operation was enhanced due to the large mass of the spacecraft, 14000 kg ( 15.5 tons) post final burn, and the loss of the primary propulsion system. This paper will present a brief mission history from launch, through in-orbit failures, from a spacecraft level systems perspective. A general hardware description is also included for clarity. The critical decision of re-entering the CGRO is covered, as well as key events through the mission design. Attitude Control System performance simulations used in the mission design and ground team training are compared to flight data results.
The Controlled Re-Entry of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
Guidance and Control ; 2001 ; Breckenridge, CO, United States
2000-01-01
Preprint
No indication
English
Trajectory Design and Control for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Re-Entry (AAS 01-075)
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001
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