Application of the Electrostatic Accelerometer MAC04 in Space Missions

As is well known, in Low Earth Orbit, besides gravitational force, a number of perturbing factors influence a spacecraft's trajectory. It is possible to divide these perturbations into two basic groups: gravitational – due to Earth's non-sphericity, other celestial bodies attraction (The Sun, the Moon) and non-gravitational – due to mainly atmosphere drag and direct/indirect solar radiation pressure. In this paper attention will be paid to method of assessment and measurement on the spacecraft board, especially accelerations rising by virtue of non-gravitational perturbing forces. The development of a special measurement instrument – the microaccelerometer - its block diagram, control concept and its application in space research projects are presented in this paper also. New developed electrostatic accelerometer is considered and analyzed as a smart sensor. The areas of aerospace application and advantages are described.