Stationkeeping and momentum-dumping thruster systems and methods

摘要

Spacecraft stationkeeping and momentum-dumping methods are facilitated by the use of selected diagonal pairs of thrusters which are positioned adjacent to nadir or antinadir spacecraft faces. The methods maintain an elliptical Sun-synchronous orbit, counter triaxiality forces and facilitate momentum-dumping of momentum and/or reaction wheels. They are particularly suited for inclined orbits.