3 axis stabilized spacecraft
Encyclopedia
3 axis stabilization is a design feature of most modern spacecraft whereby the spacecraft utilizes sensor
readings to determine how actuator
s on the spacecraft can be used to keep it in a desired attitude, or orientation in space.
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
readings to determine how actuator
Actuator
An actuator is a type of motor for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. It is operated by a source of energy, usually in the form of an electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure or pneumatic pressure, and converts that energy into some kind of motion. An actuator is the mechanism by which...
s on the spacecraft can be used to keep it in a desired attitude, or orientation in space.
See also
- Spin-stabilized satelliteSpin-stabilized satelliteA spin-stabilized satellite is a satellite which has the motion of one axis held fixed by spinning the satellite around that axis, using the gyroscopic effect.The attitude of a satellite or any rigid body is its orientation in space...
- Attitude dynamics and controlAttitude dynamics and controlSpacecraft flight dynamics is the science of space vehicle performance, stability, and control. It requires analysis of the six degrees of freedom of the vehicle's flight, which are similar to those of aircraft: translation in three dimensional axes; and its orientation about the vehicle's center...
- Flight dynamics (spacecraft)