ISEE-C attitude determination using fine sun sensor data only

Abstract

Techniques developed to determine the spin axis attitude using Fine Sun Sensor (FSS) data only are described. At any given time, the Sun angle specifies the orientation of the spin axis relative to the sunline. The instantaneous time rate of change of the sun angle is directly proportional to the orientation of the spin axis relative to a reference plane that is normal to the ecliptic. Thus, the spin axis attitude can be determined when sufficient data has been collected to accurately measure the rate of change of the sun angle. The uncertainties can be computed directly from the uncertainties in the coefficients of the smoothed sun angle curve. The FSS-only technique is unique in that ephemeris vectors are required only to transform the attitude results to more conventional coordinate frames. The combination of the mission geometry and the FSS accuracy make ISEE-C an ideal mission for applying this method. However, the technique can be used on other missions, such as spin stabilized geosynchronous missions.