Testing of spacecraft attitude and orbit control systems

Report (1984)

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Copyright: Campus only
Flexible spacecraft Test facilities Dynamic tests Program verification Satellite attitude control Performance tests Checkout Airborne/spaceborne computers Motion simulators Gas bearings L-SAT Space environment simulations Spacecraft models (computers) System simulation Three axis stabilization Static tests
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Published Date

18-05-1984

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NLR-TR 84133 U

Abstract

The testing of Spacecraft Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystems is described from the early design up to in-flight, inclusive. Main topics dealt with are: description of three generic AOCS test classes, model philosophy, standardization, subsystem static test methods, subsystem dynamic test methods, generic test equipment and test facilities. Main conclusions are: 1. test scheduling should aim to find problems and errors as early as possible. Consequently system level tests should be descoped in favor of detailed testing of the AOCE (unit level) and in particular subsystem level testing; 2. onboard AOCS software poses new testing problems, especially when RAM located; 3. there is a shift from airbearing-type dynamic tests to servo-tabletype dynamic tests, mainly due to increasing spacecraft sizes, structural flexibility and multi-body dynamics concepts.