Expansion of uses for an adaptive attitude determanation and control system

Abstract

An attitude determination and control system (a system that controls the orientation in three-dimensional space) was developed for use in a small spacecraft. This system was initially developed to resolve issues related to difficulties characterizing the movement model of a small spacecraft a priori and difficulties adapting this model to change. Once the initial design and development work on this system was completed, its prospective utility in areas beyond small spacecraft attitude control became apparent. This paper presents work done to assess the prospective utility of the technology to several other areas including manned aircraft safety and UAV control.