1960/09/01 by W. H. Clohessy, Ron Wiltshire · 8 citations
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Space Satellite Systems and Control #Spacecraft Dynamics and Control #Astro and Planetary Science
paper · doi:10.2514/8.8704
openalex publication_date 1960/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
This paper assumes a requirement for an unmanned multiunit to be assembled in orbit. The requirement to be met is to bring the satellites together so tha t they do not collide but actually rendezvous. The equations of motion of the rendezvous in a relative coordinate system are derived and used to compute a final injection velocity which would effect collision after a time r. The velocity is corrected periodically by a command guidance system and just before impact retrothrust is applied. A terminal infrared homing sjstem is required to actually accomplish physical contact and joining of the satellites. The first placed in orbit is the satellite and controls all the satellites to be assembled and contains the ccmputer, command guidance equipment, precision orientation equipment, and other features necessary to effect rendezvous. The succeeding satellites contain a propulsion system, a rough at t i tude control system, and a command receiver plus whatever scientific equipment they carry to perform their basic mission. This paper presents the following: