National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Attitude Control Systems Engineering Branch (Code 591)

Mission

The Attitude Control Systems Engineering Branch (ACSEB) is the source of attitude control system expertise and will provide analysis and design and leadership in the integration of analysis, hardware, and software disciplines into flightworthy GN&C systems. The branch provides analytic expertise for all attitude systems. The Branch creates and maintains state-of-the-art analysis tools for attitude control systems, attitude determination, and sensor calibration. The Branch assesses by analysis and simulations the stability, robustness, and performance of attitude control systems for spacecraft systems.

It also serves as the focus of systems-level efforts related to guidance, navigation, and control systems within the MESA Division. As such, the branch will be the initial point of contact and primary interface for customers requiring GN&C engineering services. Conceptual designs of attitude control systems will be created and evaluated by analysis and simulation. A primary function of the branch is to ensure the training and development of engineers with a high level of systems engineering expertise in anticipation of the future needs of GSFC.

Attitude Control Systems Engineering (ACS)

• Control Algorithm Design and Analysis
• Dynamical System Modeling
• Control Systems Sensor and Actuator Modeling
• Real-Time Attitude Estimation and System Identification
• In-House State-of-Art Simulation and Analysis Tools
• Visualization and Real-Time Spaceflight Monitoring
• Interdisciplinary (Control, Structure, Fluid, Thermal, and Optic) Modeling and Analysis
• Flight Software Test Support
• Integration and Testing Support

Attitude Determination Systems

• Attitude Ground Systems (AGS)
• Sensor Calibrations
• System Identification

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Systems Engineering

• Systems Engineering of Overall GN&C Subsystem: Hardware and Software
• Spacecraft/Instrument/Payload Pointing Error Budget
• GN&C, ACS, Pointing Systems Proposal Support
• Interdisciplinary (Control, Structure, Fluid, Thermal, and Optic) Modeling and Analysis
• Integration and Testing Support

Autonomous, Rendezvous, and Docking (AR&D) Technologies

• Image Based Navigation Systems
• Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
• Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM)
• LiDAR Navigation Algorithm
• Robotic Manipulator Controls
• Hardware In-the-loop Testing Capabilities

Jitter Analysis and Mitigation Technologies

• Instrument, Payload, Spacecraft Systems Jitter Assessment
• Accurate Disturbance Modeling and Hardware Component Database
• Integrated Modeling and Analysis Tools
• Mitigation Techniques

Code 591’s work in offices, labs, and on the flight hardware.

 

Branch Management Team

Paul Mason Head	Lia Sacks Associate Head (Acting)	Nicholas Frey Associate Head (Acting) (Picture Forthcoming)

 

Contact Us
Main Office: 301-286-2219
Website: Forthcoming