DEVICE FOR ESTIMATING THE NORMAL TO AN ORBIT FOR SATELLITE PLACED IN ORBIT

摘要

The subject of the invention is a device for estimating the normal to an orbit of helio-synchronous type on which is positioned a satellite, said device comprising means for measuring the speed of rotation of the satellite (Ωsat) characterized in that it comprises:- means for measuring the earth's magnetic field (Bsat); - means for calculating the rotation of the magnetic field relative to the satellite (RB); - means for calculating the normal to the orbit from the speed of rotation of the satellite and from the rotation of the magnetic field. This type of device is incorporated in an attitude control system equipped with sensors and actuators to optimize the position of the satellite placed in orbit.