- #1
RubinLicht
- 132
- 8
So, I'm investigating a certain way of steering a rocket in space for my first undergraduate research project. Essentially, the idea is to control the location of some mass located on a horizontal track perpendicular to a rocket, so that when the mass is moved, the center of mass of the rocket is moved, and hence the thruster also has a torque on the rocket. I'll be writing a model for the rocket, and a controller, if I get far enough, I will be able to test it on a model rocket to demonstrate functionality.
I'm more interested in all the ways rockets are steered in space currently. I'm aware that some satellites use reaction wheels, very small satellites can use magnets to align with the north pole. SpaceX uses thrust vectoring, cold gas thrusters, and fins (these obv can't work in space due to the lack of air).
are there any other clever/lightweight methods that people have come up with to steer spacecraft ?
extra about research project:
I personally feel like in order to achieve quick turning, the mass being moved would have to comparible to the rocket's center of mass, by which point the mass is much too large compared to the mass of the rocket. Alternatively, you'd want a very large track, but then again, that would have bad effects on the aerodynamics. I'll be thinking more about this, but if anyone has a good idea, I'd love to hear it.
I'm more interested in all the ways rockets are steered in space currently. I'm aware that some satellites use reaction wheels, very small satellites can use magnets to align with the north pole. SpaceX uses thrust vectoring, cold gas thrusters, and fins (these obv can't work in space due to the lack of air).
are there any other clever/lightweight methods that people have come up with to steer spacecraft ?
extra about research project:
I personally feel like in order to achieve quick turning, the mass being moved would have to comparible to the rocket's center of mass, by which point the mass is much too large compared to the mass of the rocket. Alternatively, you'd want a very large track, but then again, that would have bad effects on the aerodynamics. I'll be thinking more about this, but if anyone has a good idea, I'd love to hear it.