Patents Represented by Attorney K. J. Johnson

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  • Method for determining 3-axis spacecraft attitude
    Patent number: 5319969
    Abstract: A three axis attitude orientation system for a spacecraft in orbit which employs a single UV sensor. The single sensor provides roll and pitch information by locating the centroid of the earth and using this as a reference point. The system determines yaw by tracking the position of stars which appear in the field of view around the earth. Three axis attitude is determined through ultraviolet imaging of the earth's limb and adjacent stars. A non-conventional wide angle optics assembly and intensified CCD array are utilized for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Billing-Ross, Douglas B. Pledger