Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Olsen

Christopher D. Olsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for using a momentum bias to provide spacecraft attitude stabilization during an eclipse
    Patent number: 6260806
    Abstract: The attitude of a spacecraft is controlled during an eclipse without the dependence on auxiliary power by configuring the spacecraft so that it will receive solar power after solar eclipse is passed. The spacecraft is then oriented with respect to a sun line. The spacecraft is then spun so that it maintains a desired angular momentum throughout the eclipse and provides passive stabilization of the attitude. After the eclipse has passed, the spacecraft power is restored and the spacecraft attitude is detected. All spacecraft units are then powered up and thereafter, normal on-station attitude is re-established and normal spacecraft operations are established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Williams, Jeremiah O. Salvatore, Troy D. Wallace, Christopher D. Olsen