TIME HISTORY OF THE MOTION AND STABILITY OF A DUMBBELL SATELLITE IN ORBIT ABOUT A SPHERICAL, ROTATING EARTH.
Abstract
The general three-dimensional equations of motion are derived for an unsymmetrical dumbbell satellite with masses connected by an infinitely rigid, weightless bar. The satellite is spun about its center of mass at a rate sufficient to create an artificial one 'g' environment at the larger mass. The equations of motion are modified using a small perturbation approach to separate the motion of the vehicle from that of an equivalent point mass. Solution of the resulting perturbation equations is accomplished using the IBM 7090-94 Digital Computer System. Results predict a stable orbit and an essentially constant satellite spin rate vector. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0618728
Entities
People
- Donald W. Fresh
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology