A RATE DAMPING SYSTEM FOR AUGMENTATION OF THE AERODYNAMIC STABILITY OF A SATELLITE

Abstract

The design of a simple, three axis, on-off rate damping system for an aerodynamically stable satellite vehicle operating in the fringes of the earth's atmosphere is discussed. The system provides damping capability to remove vehicle angular velocities after orbit injection and disturbances which perturb the satellite during the orbital phase. The vehicle's natural aerodynamic stability provides the primary attitude control since aerodynamic moments will align the vehicle with the desired reference, the rotating velocity vector. The rate damping system utilizes rate gyro's to measure vehicle angular rates and stored nitrogen gas to provide reaction thrust. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0263151

Entities

People

  • Albert J. Merlini
  • Philip O. Jarvinen

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Stability
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheres
  • Nitrogen
  • Physical Properties
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers