Method and system for inducing and controlling nutation of a gyroscope

Abstract

A method and system for inducing and controlling nutation of a gyroscope momentum wheel (or member) so that such controlled nutation can be used for purposes such as target searching, acquisition and tracking, particularly in a guided missile system. A nutation command signal having a frequency integrally related to the natural nutation frequency of the gyroscope momentum member is generated, preferably is response to a momentum member position feedback signal. The generated nutation command signal is applied to a torquer to induce movement of the momentum member at the frequency of the nutation command signal. The amplitude of the nutation command signal is selectively controlled to control the amplitude of the induced movement and thereby control the movement of the momentum member through a desired pattern. In the disclosed embodiment, the momentum member controls the line-of-sight of a sensor such as a light or other electromagnetic wave energy detector. The controlled nutation of the gyroscope momentum member provides, in such an arrangement, both desired low frequency signals relating to long term sensor movement (e.g. tracking information) and high frequency signals relating to short term sensor movement (e.g. search or other scan related information).