| 摘要 |
The life of a target satellite (41) is modified, i.e., extended or terminated by docking an extension spacecraft (10) with the target satellite (41) to form a docked satellite-spacecraft combination. The extension spacecraft is docked with and mechanically connected to the target satellite (41) and includes guidance, navigation, and control systems for performing the rendezvous and docking maneuvers and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. The extension spacecraft (10) also includes an onboard propellant supply (25) for accomplishing the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft with the satellite and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. A remote cockpit system (62) is provided to permit human control of the extension spacecraft during proximity operations. |
