Session
Technical Session IV: Power/Attitude Control
Abstract
Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) is developing a satellite designated Phase IV for operation in geosynchronous orbit. Conceptual development of the primary propulsion system and the attitude and velocity control system (AVCS) is described with an approach outlined for hardware selection. A launch opportunity in Ariane will provide insertion into a transfer orbit and spin stabilization. The primary propulsion system, which will provide the orbit insertion burn only, will be designed around a Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) 400 newton engine. Two subsystems will comprise the AVCS, a momentum storage system for countering small external perturbations to maintain attitude control and a reaction control system (RCS) for satellite maneuvering and momentum system despinning. Methods for sizing momentum system components, thrusters and propellant tanks are presented, and preliminary mass property data is generated in examples to demonstrate how parameters of these two systems are interrelated.
AMSAT Phase IV Propulsion and Attitude Control Systems Conceptual Design
Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation (AMSAT) is developing a satellite designated Phase IV for operation in geosynchronous orbit. Conceptual development of the primary propulsion system and the attitude and velocity control system (AVCS) is described with an approach outlined for hardware selection. A launch opportunity in Ariane will provide insertion into a transfer orbit and spin stabilization. The primary propulsion system, which will provide the orbit insertion burn only, will be designed around a Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) 400 newton engine. Two subsystems will comprise the AVCS, a momentum storage system for countering small external perturbations to maintain attitude control and a reaction control system (RCS) for satellite maneuvering and momentum system despinning. Methods for sizing momentum system components, thrusters and propellant tanks are presented, and preliminary mass property data is generated in examples to demonstrate how parameters of these two systems are interrelated.
