THREE-AXIS STABILIZATION OF A DUMBBELL SATELLITE BY A SMALL CONSTANT-SPEED ROTOR.
Abstract
The paper constitutes a preliminary investigation of the feasibility of achieving three-axis stabilization of a dumbbell spacecraft by the use of a small constant-speed rotor. Linearized equations of motion of the system, which provide a design formula for the rotor characteristics, are given. The results of a digital simulation of the nonlinear differential equations of motion of a spacecraft in a sun-synchronous orbit with passive damping and appropriate disturbing torques are also presented. The results indicate that the use of a small constant-speed rotor to achieve yaw stability is a very effective technique. This semi-passive stabilization system should weigh less and provide more accurate stabilization than a configuration with an unsymmetrical inertia ellipsoid. In addition, important roll and yaw damping should be obtained by supporting the rotor housing with an energy dissipator. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0644693
Entities
People
- V. L. Pisacane
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory