THE PASSIVE MAGNETIC ORIENTATION OF SATELLITE INJUN.
Abstract
An investigation of the effectiveness of the passive magnetic orientation system of Injun 3 in attaining and maintaining alignment with the geomagnetic vector B is presented. The deviation from alignment was studied as a function of latitude (L), strength of the geomagnetic field present, and rate of change of the direction of the geomagnetic vector B. It was found that the passive magnetic orientation system of Injun 3 was able to dissipate the initial angular kinetic energy of the satellite such that the maximum angular deviation from alignment was damped from a deviation in excess of 115 degrees to less than 10 degrees in approximately two weeks. It was also found that this orientation system was able to maintain alignment over the active lifetime of the satellite to the extent that the RMS deviation was less than 5 degrees under almost all conditions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0466637
Entities
People
- Theodore A. Fritz
Organizations
- University of Iowa