Re: DART bumped into target satellite during test

On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:48:34 +0000, Brian Gaff wrote:


> Well, being a concept person, I suppose you could say,
>
> The concept worked fine, how much closer do you want than to hit the
> target..
>
> However, if I were a control systems expert, which I'm not but have
> attempted to build the odd servo system when I could see, I'd say it was
> bad, as the fuel usage was up, which would be analogous to a hunting
> servo, probably caused by a resonance in the system. If you are zig
> zagging through space, you would stand a good chance of hitting your
> target I'd imagine, especially if the closing speed was very slow!
>
> So, looks like more work needed on the software chaps.

Somebody left the GPS running.

Seems the DART had two attitude control systems, the precision system of
the DART and the fourth stage Pegasus system. They had plenty of control
left with the Pegasus system to leave the area, or even complete a
Tethered Capture docking scenario, that is if they had a tether.

--
Craig Fink
Courtesy E-Mail Welcome @ WeBeGood@xxxxxxxxx
.