Design Robotic spacecraft

1 design

1.1 structure
1.2 data handling
1.3 attitude determination , control
1.4 telecommunications
1.5 electrical power
1.6 temperature control , protection environment
1.7 propulsion
1.8 mechanical devices

design

in spacecraft design, united states air force considers vehicle consist of mission payload , bus (or platform). bus provides physical structure, thermal control, electrical power, attitude control , telemetry, tracking , commanding.

jpl divides flight system of spacecraft subsystems. these include:

structure

this physical backbone structure. it:

provides overall mechanical integrity of spacecraft
ensures spacecraft components supported , can withstand launch loads

data handling

this referred command , data subsystem. responsible for:

command sequence storage
maintaining spacecraft clock
collecting , reporting spacecraft telemetry data (e.g. spacecraft health)
collecting , reporting mission data (e.g. photographic images)

attitude determination , control

this system responsible correct spacecraft s orientation in space (attitude) despite external disturbance-gravity gradient effects, magnetic-field torques, solar radiation , aerodynamic drag; in addition may required reposition movable parts, such antennas , solar arrays.

telecommunications

components in telecommunications subsystem include radio antennas, transmitters , receivers. these may used communicate ground stations on earth, or other spacecraft.

electrical power

the supply of electric power on spacecraft come photovoltaic (solar) cells or radioisotope thermoelectric generator. other components of subsystem include batteries storing power , distribution circuitry connects components power sources.

temperature control , protection environment

spacecraft protected temperature fluctuations insulation. spacecraft use mirrors , sunshades additional protection solar heating. need shielding micrometeoroids , orbital debris.

propulsion

mechanical devices

mechanical components need moved deployment after launch or prior landing. in addition use of motors, many one-time movements controlled pyrotechnic devices.