ATS-6 Significance

The Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-6), the most powerful, most sophisticated, most versatile communications satellite flown to date, is the last of NASA's experimental satellites intended to demonstrate major advances in communications and spacecraft technology. It is a multipurpose, multidisciplinary spacecraft whose principal objectives were to demonstrate a large, unfurlable antenna structure and precise pointing and attitude control in the synchronous orbit The spacecraft carries 27 different experiments, 3 of which demonstrate users' applications of satellite communications. Significant advances in antenna technology, precise attitude control, materials technology, spacecraft structures, and thermal control have been successfully demonstrated. The most significant accomplishments of the ATS-6 mission are the demonstration of the practicality of satellite broadcasting to small, simple, inexpensive ground stations and the uses of this potential service in the solution of social problems involving education and health care. The success of these initial demonstrations has led ATS-6 experimenters and potential users to incorporate a Public Service Satellite Consortium dedicated to the provision of satellite broadcasting services for educational and health-care applications.     

Space-system timekeeping in the presence of solar flares

It has become increasingly clear that the enhanced space radiation environment associated with solar activity can play havoc with satellite systems. An important special case of this problem concerns precise timekeeping among orbiting communications satellites, where the loss of synchronization can mean the loss of communications. Here, we discuss one satellite system's solution to this problem, where radiation-sensitive spacecraft crystal oscillators are "slaved" to radiation-insensitive spacecraft atomic clocks.     

A Family of SHF Tactical Satellite Communication Ground Terminals

On February 8, 1969, an experimental tactical communications satellite, TACSAT I, was successfully placed in synchronous orbit at the equator off the coast of South America. This paper concerns itself with a family of SHF tactical satellite communications ground terminals utilizing the SHF capability of that satellite. The material presented provides the system concepts necessary for the understanding of the ground terminals, their relationship to the satellite, and some insight into the design problems encountered during the development of a family of five types of terminals. The system concepts are presented in terms of communication modes, frequency assignments, and implementation of the respective modes. The beacon system for frequency control and signal acquisiticn siticn is described along with the factors involved in design of equipment implementing the analog FM, the alert message, frequency hopping, and, differential phase-shift keyed (DPSK) modes. The final configurations of each of the five terminals are described and illustrated through photographs and generalized block diagrams, and the capability of each is briefly outlined.     

DF Vectoring: Application to Stationary Synchronous Satellites

Several methods of using an earth-based radio reference signal to determine the three-axis attitude of a synchronous satellite, and two types of spacecraft electronic systems (amplitude measurement and phase measurement), which obtain attitude and pointing information from the radio reference signal for orientating the spacecraft and for directing large-aperture antennas aboard the spacecraft are described. The earth-based radio reference signal also enables the electronic systems to determine angles to other ground stations with respect to fixed (reference) stations on the earth. These attitude- and angle-determining techniques are applicable to communications satellites, navigational satellites, and intersatellite data relay systems.     

Advanced communications satellite technology

Technology drivers for commercial communications satellites are examined based on the efficient use of spacecraft mass which is to be accomplished by increasing the efficiency of the microwave power amplifiers and antenna feed systems used for communications satellites, such as the INTELSAT series. The history of the INTELSAT series of satellites, the late 1980s market and available technology, and future directions of development are considered. Emphasis is on multibeam solid-state antennas, microwave switch matrices, solid-state power amplifiers, and the use of several filter modes in one physical cavity. By using quasimonolithic solid state techniques in a class B amplification mode they have achieved 40-60% efficiencies, compared with 20% for the conventional travelling wavetube amplifiers. It is concluded that technology directed towards improving the economics of satellite communications will continue to be a major driver of future communications satellite payloads. Through their use and their extension, the authors foresee more than doubling the telephone channels per satellite from the current 80000 to perhaps 200000 by the turn of the century     

ATS-6 Experiment Summary

The ATS-6 is the most advanced experimental satellite that has evolved from the Application Technology Satellite Program conducted and implemented by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC). This project utilizes a state-of-the-art spacecraft and ground terminal network to perform advance studies and to conduct technological demonstrations in a large number of scientific areas. The design and implementation of this unique spacecraft permitted multiple experimentation simultaneously. The control of the spacecraft is performed at ATS Operational Control Center (ATSOCC) located at NASA/GSFC. Experimentation which was performed covered a wide spectrum of communications, technological, meterorological, and scientific subjects. Three principal ground terminals are utilized to assist the experimenters to acquire data. Data reduction and analysis are performed by the many facilities at NASA/GSFC in support of the experimenters.     

Military Satellite Communications Using Small Earth Terminals

Satellite communications technology has reached the stage at which it is feasible to develop a reliable military tactical communications system using small transportable Earth terminals. This paper discusses the design considerations involved for a multiple-access system, with particular reference to the Earth terminals.     

A Kilowatt Rotary Power Transformer

Many future satellite configurations will require the transfer of signals and power across rotating interfaces. Satellite systems are particularly cost effective for both commercial and military communications applications if their useful lifetime can be demonstrated to be greater than five years. The rotary transformer has the desireable characteristics of high reliability and low noise which qualify it as a potential replacement for slip rings. This paper describes the development of a rotary transformer for typical spacecraft applications. The transformer is built in modular sections, each capable of transferring 500 watts across a gap at efficiencies greater than 88 percent, dc to dc. The design effort included a study of pertinent electrical characteristics required for typical spacecraft configurations, electrical design and analyses of the overall dc-dc converter, mechanical design of the transformer cores and their assembly, and a study of transformer core and winding characteristics. Breadboard test results have demonstrated the desired level of efficiency, satisfactory operation over temperature, and satisfactory electrical characteristics.     

导航卫星载波相位模糊度自主解算方法

当有4颗以上导航卫星同步观测航天器(卫星、导弹)时,本文提出应用自主定位和自校准技术来自主解算导航卫星载波相位整周模糊度的方法,并以此获取航天器的高精度飞行轨道。     

磁强计在航天器上的应用与前景

随着科学的进步,磁强计已被广泛地应用于航天器.本文首先根据磁强计测量原理的不同,对其进行分类.分别介绍各类磁强计的物理测量原理,描述其特性、精度、适用范围.同时概括目前在航天器得到较广泛应用的磁强计.在此基础上,进一步具体分析磁强计作为卫星载荷、姿态测量和控制以及自主导航轨道计算的方法、作用和特点.然后,针对这三个方面应用指出其在航天器上应用存在主要问题和关键技术.最后,对磁强计在航天器上的应用进行总结.同时对其未来的发展进行展望,磁强计在航天器上仍有着良好发展前景.     

The development of aeronautical mobile satellite services over thepast thirty years

This paper presents an overview of the development of aeronautical mobile satellite services (AMSS) over the past 30 years. The inherent shortcomings of present air-ground HF communications have hindered the development of civil aviation, but according to the Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) concept aeronautical satellite communication-including Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS)-will be the key to eliminating the shortcomings of HF communication systems. Satellite-based communication and surveillance will significantly improve air traffic control (ATC) over the oceanic and remote terrestrial airspace, and it will benefit civil aviation authorities, airlines as well as passengers. This paper discusses the availability of system elements, and world wide trials, demonstrations and preoperational use of aeronautical satellite communications over past years are described. Future satellite systems possible for aeronautical communications are also discussed     

An LMI-based decoupling control for electromagnetic formation flight

Electromagnetic formation flight(EMFF) leverages electromagnetic force to control the relative position of satellites. EMFF offers a promising alternative to traditional propellant-based spacecraft flight formation. This novel strategy is very attractive since it does not consume fuel. Due to the highly coupled nonlinearity of electromagnetic force, it is difficult to individually design a controller for one satellite without considering others, which poses challenges to communications.This paper is devoted to decoupling control of EMFF, including regulations, constraints and controller design. A learning-based adaptive sliding mode decoupling controller is analyzed to illustrate the problem of existing results, and input rate saturation is introduced to guarantee the validity of frequency division technique. Through transformation, the imposed input rate saturation is converted to state and input constraints. A linear matrix inequalities(LMI)-based robust optimal control method can then be used and improved to solve the transformed problem. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed decoupling control.     

Modelling the Attitude Noise of the Gaia Spacecraft. A Simplified Approach

A high-precision attitude determination and control of the forthcoming European Gaia satellite is an essential task for the success of the whole mission. The requirements for the spacecraft’s attitude require exceptional efforts in the simulation of the rotations of the satellite under the influence of continuous and randomly arising effects. This paper describes the structure of a physically-motivated noise model for simulating the attitude in a closed loop configuration. It deals with the analysis of the most important disturbing forces and torques acting on the Gaia spacecraft.     

Overview of Commercial Satellite Communications

The period from Arthur Clarke's 1945 prediction of geosynchronous satellite communications covering the entire planet until satellites were stationed over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans was less than 25 years. In the following 15 year period, satellite communications has affected all of us. Most international calls are carried by satellite. Much of the television that we watch has been relayed, processed, or distributed by satellite. In fact, many of us who live in cabled cities can choose among 50 channels or more for viewing on a particular night, largely brought to us by satellite. Some morning papers, radio programs, and basic weather data appear coast to coast rapidly because of the satellite. Even while we sleep, computers in an increasing number of business offices are talking to each other by satellite. Virtually the whole world, from the busiest urban center to the most remote island, can be interconnected by satellite communications networks capable of providing economical and reliable transmission of communications signals, including voice, data, electronic mail, and video. The satellite's advantages of distance insensitivity, point-to-multipoint capability, and improved quality over long distances are unique. These facts have led Clarke to speculate on the future impact of satellite communications in The View from Serendip (1977): I submit . . . that the eventual impact of the communications satellite upon the whole human race will be at least as great as that of the telephone upon the so-called developed societies.     

双星定位系统及其备份星在近地卫星联合定轨建模中的应用

建立了基于双星定位系统距离和观测数据的近地卫星联合定轨模型,设计了相应的数值融合联合定轨算法;为进一步提高近地卫星定轨精度,考虑融合双星及备份星距离和观测数据,建立了基于双星和备份星的近地卫星联合定轨模型及实现算法,并针对不同仿真条件进行了联合定轨仿真实验。仿真计算结果表明,联合定轨方式较传统近地卫星精密定轨方式可以更好地抑制双星星历误差对近地卫星定轨精度的影响,近地卫星和双星的定轨精度均得到了一定程度的提高;同时,融合备份星观测数据的近地卫星联合定轨精度得到进一步改善,达到5.17m。     

Orbital and Attitude Prediction Accuracy Requirements for Satellites

This paper examines the criteria for selecting the orbital and attitude prediction accuracy requirements for communications satellites. The accuracy requirements have been analyzed in terms of the various space operations involved, e.g., satellite acquisition, guidance and control, communications, telemetry, and command. It is hoped that the findings of this investigation will prove useful in satellite mission planning and design, thereby facilitating a judicious choice of the various satellite and ground components of the related subsystems.     

Attitude Stabilization and Control of Dual-Spin Spacecraft

This invention relates to an attitude stabilizing system for adrodshaped satellite in which stabilization is achieved by use of a spinning ing energy dissipator. The system can operate by being mounted on the rotor of a dual spin satellite of by being connected to the main body of the satellite through a motor and bearing assembly. In the latter situation, the stabilizer acts both as a nutation damper and a momentum source and thereby eliminates the need for an additional rotor element to provide the spacecraft momentum. The spinning energy dissipator may be designed to use four identical al wheels mounted coaxially with and at the ends of the arms of a cruciform structure. The structure may then be spun about the axis perpendicular to the arms, to provide angular momentum along the spacecraft spin axis. In the event of any spacecraft nutation, n, the wheels experience the torques produced by inertial forces. The necessary damping and restoring (spring) torques are provided by means of a torsional arrangement built around the center of each wheel. In order to provide damping at lower threshold of spacecraft nutations, the dissipator wheels may also include viscous ring dampers mounted on or around each wheel.     

克服旋转飞行器螺旋运动的方法研究

旋转飞行器虽然具有内在稳定性，但在飞行过程中一些不确定因素会导致飞行器产生螺旋运动，而非理想的关于角动量矢量纯粹的旋转运动。结合旋转飞行器自身的特点，借鉴自旋卫生的被动章动阻尼的方法，提出了一种通过主动控制飞行器内部质量块的运动使得飞行器碑的惯量主轴发生偏移，惯量矩阵由原来的对称阵变为含有非零非对角元素的矩阵，从而改变飞行器的姿态角运动来克服螺旋运动的方法，这将有助于提高旋转飞行器的资态控制精度。以某型旋转飞行器为背景进行仿真研究，计算结果证实了该方法的有效性和可行性。     

中继卫星系统对用户航天器快速测定轨能力分析简

针对快速交会对接方案提出的航天器两圈实现变轨的可行性,使用太阳活动平静期的用户航天器四程测距数据,并结合中继卫星观测模型设计磁暴期航天器仿真测距数据,使用动力学定轨方法进行计算分析,论证了中继卫星系统对用户航天器的快速测定轨能力,解算出的航天器轨道根数精度为快速交会对接机精度分析提供了参考.     

POWOW: power without wires: a SEP concept for space exploration

Electric propulsion has emerged as a cost-effective solution to a wide range of satellite applications. Deep Space 1 successfully demonstrated electric propulsion as the primary propulsion source for a satellite. The POWOW concept is a solar-electric propelled spacecraft capable of significant cargo and short trip times for traveling to Mars. It would enter aerosynchronous orbit and from there, beam power to surface installations via lasers. The concept has been developed with industrial partner expertise in high efficiency solar cells, advanced concentrator modules, innovative arrays, and high power electric propulsion systems. The latest version of the spacecraft, the technologies used, and trip times to Mars are presented. The POWOW spacecraft is a general purpose solar electric propulsion system that uses new technologies that are directly applicable to commercial and government spacecraft with power levels ranging from a LEO power level of 4 kW up to GEO spacecraft about 1 MW. The system is modular, expandable, and amenable to learning curve cost projection methods