Gravity Gradient Earth Sensor experiment on REXUS 11
This experiment is the first test of the concept for a novel attitude determination sensor in freefall, that utilizes the Earths gravity gradient as a reference. Current sensors require multiple optical heads with access on all faces of a satellite that might point towards the Earth [1]. Earth sensors determine the Earth vector by sensing the position of the Earth’s horizon, detecting the Earth
s IR emission against the background of space [2]. The gravity-gradient based approach does not require optical access for the sensor, and one single, compact unit can be located anywhere inside the satellite, and provide complete 4Ï€ steradian field of view. The sensor principle is based on the use of a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) device that can measure the Gravity Gradient Torque (GGT) [3]. We describe the design of the experiment to test the MEMS GGT sensor on a REXUS flight and present the results obtained.
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