A study of possible drift trajectories of a calibrated solid body inside the ISS pressurized cabin during the conduct of experiment Vector-T

Abstract

The paper discusses methodological support for space experiment Vektor-T slated to be conducted in the Russian Segment of the International Space Station (ISS RS). The objective of the space experiment is to obtain additional information needed to improve the ISS motion control techniques based on the data from tracking the drift of calibrated solid body inside the ISS pressurized cabin. The paper provides the results of estimation of possible drift trajectories depending on the condition of the Earth atmosphere, positions of the steerable structural elements of the ISS and the location of the launch point with respect to the ISS center of mass. It reviews methodological issues involved in planning the space experiment sessions, their conduct and processing of the results. Key words: space experiment, micro-accelerations, pressurized cabin, calibrated body, drift.