Device and method for deorbiting of a satellite

摘要

The present disclosure relates to the deorbiting of satellites in low orbit that have entered safe hold mode. A device makes it possible to decide in an autonomous manner and on the basis of information existing in the satellite, when and where to trigger a series of short thruster manoeuvres to modify the satellite orbit with the aim of deorbiting.

主权项

1. A device for deorbiting of a satellite in safe hold mode comprising:
a data acquisition module capable of providing:
the direction of the terrestrial magnetic field and the satellite-sun direction in the satellite reference frame; anda prediction of the direction of the terrestrial magnetic field and the satellite-sun direction in the local orbital reference frame; an attitude estimation module coupled to the data acquisition module for determining the attitude of the satellite in relation to the local orbital reference frame, the angle between the sun direction and the satellite Z-axis and the position on the orbit of the satellite; a boost generation module coupled to the attitude estimation module for generating signals capable of activating the thrusters of the satellite when the attitude, angle and position values are equal to predefined values.