PLUME AVOIDANCE MANEUVERS

Abstract

A maneuver for minimizing perturbations on a released re-entry body due toases exhausted from the nozzles of the post-boost control system in which after release of the re-entry body from a position compatible accomplishing with the maneuver, a flip turn is initiated in a near-nozzle-off configuration. The turn is preferably executed in a direction to the side of the direction of the velocity gain required for the platform to reach the next release location. The flip turn is stopped at a lateral escape angle, preferably after turning through an angle of 90 degrees or greater, by initiating an oppositely directed body-axis turn. After being accelerated for a lateral escape time, the platform is oriented in the direction of the required gain in velocity to reach the next release location and coarse thrust is activated. Prior to arrival at the release location, a body-axis turn is accomplished to orient the platform in the proper position for the next release event.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1WILLIAM J. MASON

Technology Domains

Click a domain to browse all patents in this category.