Date of Award

12-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Curtis H. Spenny, PhD

Abstract

A propulsion configuration it defined for a precision orbital tracking vehicle (POTV) that employs electrodynamic forces to control vehicle attitude and position with respect to another spacecraft. A pair of electrically powered thrusters assist the POTV in position control. The vehicle can maintain continuous standoff at close range from another spacecraft in any direction, has docking capability, and has gross orbital transfer capability. These capabilities and the specific design derived for the POTV have been defined by the requirements of a postulated space facility (ASSET) that salvages structural aluminum from the external fuel tank of the space shuttle. Precision control of the POTV is achieved by an electrical conductor configuration that makes current-produced thrust continuously available for independent control of components of vehicle attitude and translation. A robust tracking controller is designed that guarantees stability and compensates for modelling error.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-92D-05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA259143

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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