USING SUB-SATELLITES TO SENSE YAW MOTION IN ORBIT

Abstract

A technique is outlined to obtain a yaw attitude reference in an orbiting satellite. The method described uses a small, actively ratiating subsatellite (bunny satellite) which is ejected with a small velocity increment from the main satellite. This report describes the relative motion between the bunny and the satellite for velocity increments added in various directions as well as for perturbations in radial position at ejection. Influences on the relative position such as ejection errors, effect of tension or compression forces, relative gravitational attraction, gravity gradient effects, and precession effects are discussed. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0274476

Entities

People

  • J.f. Farrell

Organizations

  • General Dynamics

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Compression
  • Ejection
  • Mathematics
  • Motion
  • Perturbations
  • Precession
  • Relative Motion
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers