PseudoGyro Can Save Satellites From Failure

TECH SPACE

With large GEO sats costing millions, the need to workaround broken parts such as gyros is critical to maintaining and extending their life span. File photo of a HS702 by Boeing Satellite Systems

El Segundo - Jan 26, 2001
Software developed by The Aerospace Corporation can save satellites from failure, extend the on-orbit life of satellites with ailing hardware gyros, and save large sums of money in insurance costs, among other benefits.

The invention, called PseudoGyro, emulates a hardware gyro through software processes. It was successfully demonstrated in 1999 when it was employed by members of the Aerospace technical staff to extend the life of an experimental government satellite, which had experienced failures of its primary and secondary hardware gyros.

PseudoGyro was originally developed for use on a critical national security program satellite, which was facing added development costs and schedule delays because of limitations associated with its gyro. Use of PseudoGyro saved the government more than $15 million in acquisition costs. The invention, patented by Aerospace in 2000, is being prepared for use in a number of other satellites and the technology is available for use in the commercial sector.

PseudoGyro works in conjunction with orbital-attitude-estimation filtering techniques and takes advantage of all available sensors, including the vehicle itself, in determining attitude. It uses the principle of conservation of momentum to accurately determine the angular velocity of a spacecraft. It can be applied to virtually all types of space vehicles that are controlled by any type of momentum storage device.

Using PseudoGyro can increase spacecraft reliability, extend operational life, reduce power consumption, save money on insurance premiums, and preserve operating revenue. Current applications include backup for failed gyros, gyro life extension, improved spacecraft performance, and augmentation of systems reduced to two or fewer gyros.

The technology can be integrated before or after a satellite is in orbit. For satellites already on orbit, ground simulations can be performed to ensure successful implementation. The software can be quickly uploaded and pressed into operation.

Researchers at The Aerospace Corporation said that PseudoGyro addresses the need to reduce the risks and costs associated with new technology gyros, such as ring-laser, fiber-optic and hemispherical resonator devices, which have been replacing traditional spinning mass gyros. It is one of several advanced technologies developed at Aerospace which have applications beyond their original use.

TECH SPACE

Orbiting Earth In Search Of Failure

Huntsville - Jan. 27, 2001
It's a mission where failure will be success -- and that's exactly what NASA engineers are hoping for. They anticipate failures in six experiments on the NASA Space Radiation Electronics Testbed, a payload now orbiting Earth aboard the Space Technology Research Vehicle-1-d. The satellite was launched Nov. 15 on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.