Contributions to Attitude Dynamics of the Petite Amateur Navy Satellite (PANSAT)
Abstract
The purpose of this technical report is to document the theoretical and practical aspects of the attitude dynamics of the Petite Amateur Navy Satellite (PANSAT). PANSAT is an experimental, small, low cost, communications satellite that was designed and built by officer students supported by the Space Systems Academic Group at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. The satellite was deployed during the STS 95 mission into a low-Earth orbit providing an altitude of about 300 nautical miles and an inclination of 28.50 on October 30, 1998. The dynamics of the non-stabilized spacecraft are modeled by the equations of rotational motion incorporating environmental torques and considering several reference systems. The initial state of motion and attitude as launched from the Space Shuttle as well as telemetry data received after deployment are investigated in order to obtain an understanding on the satellite's actual dynamics and attitude. Visualization tools are provided to display the attitude of PANSAT at time of deployment and the roll-rate relative to the Sun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA361110
Entities
People
- Markus Graswald
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School