Projects

System name

    “Kurs”, “Kurs-MM”, “Kurs-NA” radio systems for mutual measurement of motion parameters for spacecraft search, randezvous and docking

Purpose

• Mutual search and detection of cooperative spacecraft (SC);
• Measuring parameters of spacecraft mutual motion: range, radial velocity, orientation angles, bearing angles along two communication links, basic angles, angular coordinates of an “passive” spacecraft in coordinates of an “active” one.
• Output of measured data to the spacecraft control system.

Composition

AKR-VKA antenna                  2AO-VKA antenna           2ASF1-M-VKA-03 antenna

K1-VKA-03 electronic container                2F4-VKA Amplifiers

Composition of the “Kurs-P” spacecraft equipment

   Composition of the "Kurs-P” equipment depends on a number of docking units in service. It includes:

• K2-VKA-01 electronic container Ê2-ÂÊÀ-01;
• AKR-VKA antenna – 2 pcs;
• AR-VKA antenna – 1 pc for each unit;
• 2AR-VKA antenna – 1 pc for each unit;
• 4AO-VKA antenna – 1 pc for each unit;
• 2F4-VKA-01 amplifiers – 2pcs + 1 pc for each unit;
• 2AOK1-VKA voltage converter;
• RT-VKA antenna temperature regulator – 1 pc for each unit.

Performance specification

   Operation of the radio system for mutual measuring motion parameters for spacecraft search, randezvous and docking is performed within a wide range of initial conditions of spacecraft mutual position on the satellite orbit with relative distance of up to several hundreds of kilometers if there is an initial target indicating, and up to several dozens of kilometers without target indicating.

Parameters	"KURS"	"KURS-ÌÌ"	"KURS -Ì" ATV	"KURS-NA"
Frequency band, GHz	3,2	32-35	3,2	3,2
Operational range, km (no less than)	100*	2***	3**	30**
Measuring error of relative range, m	10	0,3	10	10
Measuring range of radial velocity, m/s	± 400	± 5	± 20	± 50
Measuring error of radial velocity, cm/s	1,5	0,3	1,5	1,5
Range of initial angular attitudes, degree	± 180	± 15	± 180	± 30
Measuring error of mutual angular attitudes,  ang.min.	15	9	-	15
Interrogator power consumption, W	240	135	45	75
Transponder power consumption, W	170	60	Transponder “Kurs-P”	Transponder “Kurs-P”
Interrogator mass with redundancy, kg	93	27	30	43
Transponder mass with redundancy, kg	85	18	26	39

 

 * - in the complete sphere of space

** - in  the sector of ±30⁰ 

***- in  the sector of ±15⁰.

Operating scheme

   The docking procedures can be divided into 5 basic stages:

• Stage of objects “A” and “P” mutual search;
• Stage of the object "A" orientation;
• Stage of spacecraft rendezvous;
• Stage of the object "A" flyby;
• Stage of approaching the object “A” to the docking unit.

   After placing the “active” SC into orbit for docking with the orbital station the “Kurs-A” and the “Kurs-P” backup equipment operability is tested. If test results are positive, the “Ready” signal is output to the control system (CS) of the “active” SC and the orbital station.

Development prospects

   Development prospects of separate system units specifying the transfer of entire digital processing to the microprocessors and signal processors, the decrease of hardware, and also maximum transfer from hardware-based checkout equipment to software-based one.

   The RI PI is ready to sign a contract for production and delivery of the “Kurs” and checkout equipment. Regular work upon enhancing operating systems and advanced projects allow significantly reducing dimension-mass characteristics, increasing functional reliability and measurement accuracy. Our enterprise is ready to design (either independently or in cooperation with other companies) similar systems of different modifications intended for automated or manual rendezvous and docking SC, which ensure operation with various control systems of the Customer.

   We are also ready to develop a measuring system for high-precision measurements of mutual motion parameters (angular, speed, linear) of a broad class of objects (ground-, sea- and air-based transportation means, large-dimension loads and constructions, etc.), collision warning equipment for moving objects, detection equipment and precise guidance of rescue facilities on distressed objects, etc.

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