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Stetson, John B., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Stetson, John B., Jr..

Dither Helps Compensate For Friction In Reaction Wheel

Dither control and generator unit incorporated into reaction-wheel attitude-control system to help compensate for error caused by friction in reaction-wheel bearings at and near zero speed of wheel. Reaction-wheel attitude-control system designed primarily to maintain desired orientation of spacecraft but also useful in maintaining desired orientation of terrestrial antenna, optical instrument, or other device on aircraft, ship, land vehicle, or other moving platform. Alternating torque sufficient to overcome static friction applied at low speed.

Stetson, John B., Jr.

Gyroless Yaw-Estimating System

Algorithm estimates yaw of spacecraft from equations of motion and readings of nongyroscopic sensors. Intended to be used in monitoring and controlling yaw when yaw gyroscope fails. Modified version useful in monitoring and controlling yaw of terrestrial scientific instrument or aircraft.

Stetson, John B., Jr.