AAS 95-442

Operational Maneuver Support for Low-Earth Orbiting Spacecraft at the Goddard Space Flight Center Flight Dynamics Division

C. J. Cieslak and S. M. Good, Computer Sciences Corporation, E. L. Cox and T. Harrington, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

Abstract

The Flight Dynamics Division (FDD) at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) performs a wide range of maneuver support including maneuver design, planning, real-time support, and postmaneuver evaluation for low Earth-orbiting spacecraft. This paper summarizes the FDD support of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) missions, in terms of orbit maneuver design and support. The compilation will cover the techniques used for maneuver prediction, real-time support, and maneuver calibration. A general description of factors influencing spacecraft orbit control is presented, as well as a discussion of how these factors influence maneuver planning.