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Control of large space structuresThe control of large space structures was studied to determine what, if any, limitations are imposed on the size of spacecraft which may be controlled using current control system design technology. Using a typical structure in the 35 to 70 meter size category, a control system design that used actuators that are currently available was designed. The amount of control power required to maintain the vehicle in a stabilized gravity gradient pointing orientation that also damped various structural motions was determined. The moment of inertia and mass properties of this structure were varied to verify that stability and performance were maintained. The study concludes that the structure's size is required to change by at least a factor of two before any stability problems arise. The stability margin that is lost is due to the scaling of the gravity gradient torques (the rigid body control) and as such can easily be corrected by changing the control gains associated with the rigid body control. A secondary conclusion from the study is that the control design that accommodates the structural motions (to damp them) is a little more sensitive than the design that works on attitude control of the rigid body only.
Document ID
19800007822
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Gran, R.
(Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Bethpage, NY, United States)
Rossi, M.
(Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Bethpage, NY, United States)
Moyer, H. G.
(Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Bethpage, NY, United States)
Austin, F.
(Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. Bethpage, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1979
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Report/Patent Number
RE-589
NASA-CR-161369
Accession Number
80N16082
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-32587
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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