// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Attitude
Attitude refers to the orientation of a spacecraft in space, specifically how it's pointed relative to a reference frame, like Earth or the sun.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Attitude describes the three-dimensional orientation of a spacecraft's body axes relative to a defined inertial or orbital reference frame, controlled by an Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) using sensors and actuators.
BACKGROUND
Space tourism is human space travel for recreational purposes. There are several different types of space tourism, including orbital, suborbital and lunar space tourism. Tourists are motivated by the possibility of viewing Earth from space, feeling weightlessness, experiencing extremely high speed, and contributing to science.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orientation
- Pointing
- Bearing
- Alignment
USAGE NOTE
Maintaining the correct attitude is crucial for solar panel power generation and instrument pointing.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Attitude.
A subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies that specializes in small satellite components and systems, including reaction wheels, star trackers, and complete, integrated Attitude Control Systems (ACS) for a wide range of spacecraft sizes.
A major aerospace manufacturer that produces a wide array of attitude control hardware, including reaction wheel assemblies, control moment gyroscopes (CMGs), and inertial measurement units (IMUs) used in satellites, spacecraft, and launch vehicles.
While known for launch services, Rocket Lab's Space Systems division (which includes the former Sinclair Interplanetary) manufactures high-reliability satellite components, including reaction wheels and star trackers essential for attitude determination and control in small satellites.
A prime aerospace and defense contractor that designs and builds complex spacecraft requiring highly precise attitude control. The company also manufactures key ADCS components, such as momentum wheels, for its own platforms and for other satellite manufacturers.
A worldwide designer and manufacturer of precision motion control products. In aerospace, Moog provides critical components for attitude control, including spacecraft thrusters, propellant control valves, and actuators for launch vehicle steering.
A global aerospace and defense technology company that develops advanced systems for space applications, including high-precision pointing systems, gimbals, and avionics that are integral to spacecraft attitude control and stabilization.
A company specializing in spacecraft propulsion and control systems. They provide a range of Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) hardware, including sun sensors, reaction wheels, and various types of thrusters used for attitude adjustments.
A major European satellite prime contractor that develops and integrates sophisticated Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) for its telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific spacecraft. They also produce components like fiber-optic gyros and reaction wheels.