DIRECTIONAL EQUILIBRIUM OF AN ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE ENVELOPING A NONUNIFORM REGION OF A GRAVITATIONAL FIELD.
Abstract
Certain artificial satellites used for communications and/or navigation require means of directional stabilization. If the satellite encompasses an essentially uniform region of the gravitational field, it is in neutral directional equilibrium in that force field. The creation of an artificial satellite with a discrete distribution of mass permits us to have a satellite encompassing a nonuniform region of the gravitational field although having a relatively low total mass. The basic mathematical relationships are developed that must be satisfied by any 'gravity-gradient' satellite in order that it have stable directional equilibrium. The satellite is assumed to have a discrete distribution of mass, and is assumed to be not subjected to other body forces, radiation forces, and disturbing forces. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 25, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0624592
Entities
People
- P. A. Crafton
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory