Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control: 73 (Astrophysics and Space Science Library) - Tapa blanda

Roger D. Werking Head, Attitude Determination and Control Section National Aeronautics and Space Administration/ Goddard Space Flight Center Extensiye work has been done for many years in the areas of attitude determination, attitude prediction, and attitude control. During this time, it has been difficult to obtain reference material that provided a comprehensive overview of attitude support activities. This lack of reference material has made it difficult for those not intimately involved in attitude functions to become acquainted with the ideas and activities which are essential to understanding the various aspects of spacecraft attitude support. As a result, I felt the need for a document which could be used by a variety of persons to obtain an understanding of the work which has been done in support of spacecraft attitude objectives. It is believed that this book, prepared by the Computer Sciences Corporation under the able direction of Dr. James Wertz, provides this type of reference. This book can serve as a reference for individuals involved in mission planning, attitude determination, and attitude dynamics; an introductory textbook for stu­ dents and professionals starting in this field; an information source for experimen­ ters or others involved in spacecraft-related work who need information on spacecraft orientation and how it is determined, but who have neither the time nor the resources to pursue the varied literature on this subject; and a tool for encouraging those who could expand this discipline to do so, because much remains to be done to satisfy future needs.

This classic book is the first comprehensive presentation of data, theory, and practice in attitude analysis. It was written by 33 senior technical staff members in the Spacecraft Attitude Department of the Computer Sciences Corporation and incorporates their experience in supporting more than 30 space missions. Because of the extensive cross-references, complete index, and 13 technical appendices, this book can be either a self teaching text, or a reference handbook. Among its unique features are orthographic globe projections to eliminate confusion in vector drawings; discussions of common data anomalies, data validation, attitude hardware, and associated mathematical models; and a presentation of new geometrical procedures for mission analysis and attitude accuracy studies which can eliminate many complex simulations.