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ORBITAL CONTROL SYSTEM |
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Each MPS satellite will be equipped with 4 sets of multi-directional thrusters which will provide the satellite six degrees of freedom. These thrusters will allow the satellites to correct orbital perturbations due to oblations, mascons, and other gravitational forces. Additionally, the satellites will be able to change their orbit should the need arise. Because of the high cost associated with this project and the time it takes a satellite to reach Mars, the satellites will have 400kg of hydrazine fuel to provide up to 20 years of typical station keeping maintenance (2.3kg/ton/6weeks of fuel). This way, the satellites will have to be replaced less often. |
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Figure 1: Thruster |
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Attitude Control System |
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Satellites will maintain orbital stability via a single rotating disk. This solid metal disk will be spun by an electric motor and its orientation will be controlled by a set of gimbals. A control system will set the angular velocity and angle while taking data from a set of sensors. These sensors will include infrared detectors to pinpoint the direction of the planet, gyroscopes and accelerometers to sense the satellite’s orientation, and telemetry data fed by the inter-satellite network. |
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