Section 6: Navigation, Comms, Power & Rocketry

GNC Framework Roles

Guidance: Defining the path | Navigation: State determination (position/velocity) | Control: Executing maneuvers (like Reboost).

Attitude Determination Mechanics

Managed via Control Movement Gyroscopes (CMGs).

Spacecraft Communication Bands

S-Band (lower frequency) and Ku-Band (composite/higher frequency).

Deep Space Network (DSN) Layout

Three ground sites separated by 120 degrees for continuous coverage: Goldstone (CA), Madrid (Spain), and Canberra (Australia).

ISS Network Communication Flow

MCC -> WSTF -> TDRS -> ISS

Caution and Warning (C & W) Classes

Class 1: Emergency (Beeping) | Class 2: Warning (Siren) | Class 3: Caution (Tone) | Class 4: Advisory (No Sound).

EPS Power Profiles

Produces 54 kW during an eclipse and up to 120 kW in full light using SAWs and SARJ.

Passive Thermal Control Methods

Coasting insulation, sun shields, louvers, blankets, and specialized paint.

Four Primary Rocket Systems

Structural (nose cone/frame/fins), Propulsion (fuel/oxidizer/pumps/nozzle), Payload (cargo), and Guidance.

Gimbaled Thrust

Changing the angle of the engine thrust to steer the rocket.

Four Flight Phases of a Rocket

Launch → Powered Flight → Staging → Cut-off.

Standard Rocket Acceleration Metric

0 to 28,000 km/hr.

Historical Rocketry Fact

Early launch vehicles were functionally similar to military missiles.