THE EFFECTS OF THE NODAL REGRESSION OF THE ORBIT ON THE GRAVITY PRECESSION OF A GYROSCOPIC SATELLITE.

Abstract

A gyroscopic satellite has been proposed for a test of the general theory of relativity in which the gyro drift rate to be measured is less than seven seconds of arc per year. A simple passive gyroscope has been proposed which uses sunlight reflected from mirrors to provide optical data to determine the spin axis orientation. The gravity gradient torque acting on the satellite is one of several extraneous disturbances which can cause spurious precession of the gyro spin axis. General equations for the precession of a gyro satellite in a regressing orbit are derived. These equations may be used to specify the tolerances for initial spin axis and orbit alignments which enable an accurate measurement of the relativity effect. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0637455

Entities

People

  • James L. Myers Jr

Organizations

  • University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Equations
  • General Relativity
  • Gyroscopes
  • Measurement
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Precession
  • Relativity Theory
  • Sunlight

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

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

Technology Areas

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