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    Service Module

    Attitude and Orbit Control

    The AOCS subsystem is characterised by: 

    • High precision 3-axis control
    • The ASTRO instrument is used for precise rate sensing during the fine pointing operational mode
    • A high precision gyro is used for quick and efficient transitions during the fine pointing operational mode
    • Rugged flight-proven initial acquisition and Safe modes
    • Three Sun acquisition sensors plus one gyroscope provide spin-axis stabilisation during the L2 transfer phase of the mission
    • One large field of view star sensor plus use of the main instrument sky mappers for the 3-axis controlled operational phase

    < Previous article: Propulsion Next article: Communications >

    Last Update: 21 August 2012

    • Shortcut URL
    • http://sci.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=40130
    • Related Articles
    • Summary
    • Thermal Control
    • Electric Power
    • Propulsion
    • Attitude and Orbit Control
    • Communications
    • Data Handling

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