THRUSTER SUPPORT MECHANISM FOR SATELLITE PROPULSION

摘要

Techniques for performing orbit raising north-south stationkeeping, east-west stationkeeping, and momentum management with thrusters disposed on a spacecraft. The spacecraft includes at least one thruster support mechanism (TSM), including a pointing arrangement and an elongated structural member, the structural member having a long dimension defining a first axis a proximal portion of the structural member is attached to the pointing arrangement each of the thrusters is fixedly coupled with a distal portion of the structural member. The pointing arrangement includes a first, second, and third revolute joint, the first revolute joint being rotatable about the first axis; the third revolute joint being rotatable about a third axis, the third axis being fixed with respect to the spacecraft; and the second revolute joint being rotatable about a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis.

主权项

1. A spacecraft comprising:
a main body; at least one thruster; and a thruster support mechanism (TSM), the TSM including a pointing arrangement and an elongated structural member, the structural member having a long dimension defining a first axis, wherein:
a proximal portion of the structural member is attached to the pointing arrangement;the at least one thruster is fixedly coupled with a distal portion of the structural member; andthe pointing arrangement includes a first revolute joint, a second revolute joint, and a third revolute joint, the first revolute joint being rotatable about the first axis; the third revolute joint being rotatable about a third axis, the third axis being fixed with respect to the main body; and the second revolute joint being rotatable about a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to each of the first axis and the second axis.