Abstract
The current paper describes an attitude control system that uses small reaction wheels and magnetic torquers to control the attitude of a large flexible solar sail in low-Earth orbit (LEO). This system is being proposed for the NASA New Millenium Programme Space Technology-9 solar sail technology demonstration mission. Controlling the attitude of a solar sail with these actuators in LEO was previously considered difficult and thus never proposed before. What makes it possible is choosing the right orbit and judiciously constraining the attitude of the solar sail in that orbit. Simulation results are presented that validate this design approach for solar sail attitude control in LEO.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
