Control Systems Branch (Code 8230)

This Branch develops control systems concepts to support spacecraft mission requirements and then verifies these designs through analysis, computer simulation, and test. Personnel have expertise in attitude determination techniques, reaction control stabilization, precision pointing, propulsion systems, analytical design and mission planning, flight operations support, computer simulation and animation, control actuators, spaceborne robotics applications, expert systems, robotics engineering and control, inertial components, and navigation, tracking, and orbit dynamics. The Control System Branch includes three sections:

Attitude Control Section (Code 8231):
Develops control systems concepts to support spacecraft mission requirements and verifies designs through analysis, computer simulation, and testing.

Reaction Control Section (Code 8232):
Specifies fuel tanks, pressurization systems, valves, and thrusters to strict performance and safety standards.

The Mathematics & Orbit Dynamics Section (Code 8233):
Performs basic research in satellite orbit dynamics, develops computer-based techniques for dynamic systems, and develops control mechanisms for large space structures.