EFFECT OF THE NEAR-EARTH ENVIRONMENT ON THE ATTITUDE OF A SLOWLY SPINNING MULTIBODY SATELLITE (X-RAY EXPLORER).
Abstract
This paper considers the effects of the near-earth environment on the dynamics of a slowly spinning satellite (1/12 rpm). A rotor is employed to obtain the necessary angular momentum parallel to the spin axis. The satellite has four solar paddles and an eddy current nutation damper. The objective of the satellite is to detect and chart X-ray emitting sources in the celestial sphere. The dynamics of the spacecraft are investigated by numerically integrating the nonlinear equations of motion which include external perturbations. The effects of the magnetic, gravity-gradient, and solar environments on the attitude are small. However, the effect of aerodynamic torques is seen to be significant. Variations in spin rate and spin axis drift are obtained for different atmospheric conditions and physical parameters. Also, the pointing error to the precession axis referred to a fixed star is established. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0673219
Entities
People
- D. K. Anand
- J. M. Whisnant
- M. Sturmanis
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory