Attitude Control


Attitude control is the process of controlling the orientation of a spacecraft, rocket, or other space vehicle with respect to a reference frame. This is necessary for proper pointing of antennas, solar panels, scientific instruments, and other equipment. Attitude control can be achieved through the use of reaction wheels, thrusters, or other devices that apply torque to the spacecraft. The control system may use sensors such as gyroscopes, star trackers, or sun sensors to determine the spacecraft's orientation and make adjustments as necessary. Attitude control is critical for the success of space missions, as even small deviations from the desired orientation can have significant impacts on the performance of the spacecraft.


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