Active Image Stabilization for Shuttle-Based Payloads
This paper presents a pointing performance analysis of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) as a generic example illustrating the fundamental dynamics and control problems related to optical instruments that are, or will be, flown mounted on the Space Shuttle. The disturbance level on the Shuttle, and slew requirements of the payload itself, along with the limitations of the present instrument pointing system (IPS) is found to seriously limit the pointing accuracy of optical payloads. The implementation of an active image stabilization (AIS) system, using an active secondary mirror, is shown to provide substantial improvement in performance. Two control strategies are presented, using IPS-mounted rate integrating gyros only, or in conjunction with a focal plane sensor feedback loop.
Control system designs for the shuttle infrared telescope facility
The Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) image motion compensation system is described in detail and performance is analyzed with respect to system noise inputs, environmental disturbances, and error sources such as bending and feedforward scale factor. It is concluded that the SIRTF accuracy and stability requirements can be met with this design.
Selection of sampling rate for digital control of aircrafts
The considerations in selecting the sample rates for digital control of aircrafts are identified and evaluated using the optimal discrete method. A high performance aircraft model which includes a bending mode and wind gusts was studied. The following factors which influence the selection of the sampling rates were identified: (1) the time and roughness response to control inputs; (2) the response to external disturbances; and (3) the sensitivity to variations of parameters. It was found that the time response to a control input and the response to external disturbances limit the selection of the sampling rate. The optimal discrete regulator, the steady state Kalman filter, and the mean response to external disturbances are calculated.