Deep Space Attitude Control

Deep Space Attitude Control is a space subsystem that keeps a spacecraft pointed correctly for power, thermal safety, communication, or science for long-delay spacecraft operations beyond Earth orbit. It uses sensors, reaction wheels, thrusters, and control laws so teams can maintain pointing without exceeding constraints while keeping evidence, reliability, and public-safe operational boundaries clear.

“The mission team used Deep Space Attitude Control when the probe passed behind a planetary body, so the team could maintain pointing without exceeding constraints before the next mission decision point.”