THE MOTION OF SATELLITE 1958 EPSILON AROUND ITS CENTER OF MASS
Abstract
A preliminary study is made of the motion of Explorer IV (Satellite 1958 Epsilon) around its center of mass. The body is, to a good approximation, symmetric around its longitudinal axis (A) and, therefore, the tangential motion can be considered a regular precession, at least during one orbital revolution. Many good observations of the motion, especially of the variation of (A), were made during the first 60 days after launch, and the variation in the direction of the precessional axis was computed. Although the determinations are not precise, they definitely indicate an angular displacement of the precessional axis of at least 10 degrees per day in the first 30 days after launch. Also, it is certain that the angular momentum of the body remained almost constant during the whole period under consideration. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0262469
Entities
People
- Giovanni Colombo
Organizations
- Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory