Zero-Prop Maneuver Space Station Demonstration

This paper describes a new attitude control method for non-propulsive rotational state transition, Zero-Prop Maneuver, and demonstration onboard the International Space Station for a 90deg maneuver on November 5, 2006. The Space Station was maneuvered along a pre-planned trajectory which is optimized to take advantage of naturally occurring environmental torques in order to maintain CMG capacity within operational limits. It did not require modifications to the flight software nor use of thrusters. The proposed approach is generally applicable to spacecraft that are controlled by momentum exchange devices.