Torques and Attitude Sensing in Earth Satellites

List of Contributors

Preface


1. Rotational Motion of Passive Space Vehicles

I. Introduction

II. Stability Conditions for Almost-Rigid Satellites; the Energy-Sink Approximation

III. Damping of an Initial Wobble in a Stable Satellite

IV. Control of Wobble Buildup in Unstable Satellites

References


2. Passive Gravity-Gradient Stabilization Earth Satellites

I. Introduction

II. Theory of Gravity-Gradient Attitude Stabilization

III. Procedure for Achieving Stabilization

IV. Design of the Damping Spring

V. Effect of Perturbing Torques

VI. Conclusions

References


3. The Application of Gyrostabilizers to Orbiting Vehicles

I. Introduction

II. The Satellite Damping and Stabilization Problem

III. Coordinate Reference Frames

IV. The Satellite as a Gyro Element

V. Attitude Control Systems Using Gyrostabilizers

VI. Limitations on Attainable Settling Time

VII. Optimization Criteria and Techniques for the Vertical-Vee Configuration

VIII. Further Satellite Applications for Gyrostabilizers

IX. Summary and Conclusions

References


4. Generalized Gravity-Gradient Torques

I. Introduction

II. Basic Relationships

III. Some General Properties

IV. Equilibrium States

V. Stability of Equilibrium

VI. Torques

References


5. Aerodynamic and Radiation Disturbance Torques on Satellites Having Complex Geometry

I. Introduction

II. Aerodynamic Analysis

III. Radiation Analysis

IV. Shielding

V. Conclusion

Appendix. Symbols

References


6. Forces and Torques Due to Coulomb Interaction with the Magnetosphere

I. Introduction

II. The Electric Charge of Space Vehicles

III. Calculation of Coulomb Force

IV. Some Vehicle Applications

V. Control Applications

VI. Some Scientific Applications

Appendix. Calculation of the Charged Drag in a Plasma

References


7. Dynamical Considerations Relating to the West Ford Experiment

I. Introduction

II. Outline of Effects Involved

III. Change of Rotation Axis of the Package as a Whole

IV. Analysis of Needle Dispensing

V. Elastic Dissipation

VI. Analysis of Needle Dispersion

References


8. Exploitation of Magnetic Torques on Satellites

I. Introduction; Scientific Terminology

II. Magnetic Torque Studies without Satellites

III. Magnetic Torque Studies on Satellites

IV. Actual and Possible Exploitation on Satellites

References


9. Magnetic Attitude Control of the Tiros Satellites

I. Introduction

II. Perturbing Torques

III. Magnetic Attitude Control Electronics

IV. MAC System Experimental Results

References


10. Satellite Angular Momentum Removal Utilizing the Earth's Magnetic Field

I. Introduction

II. Coordinate Systems and Notation

III. Basic Magnetic Control Concepts

IV. General Control System, Description and Implementation

V. Magnetic Momentum Removal for an Earth-Tracking Satellite

Appendix. Mathematical Model for the Earth's Magnetic Field

References


11. Torques and Attitude Sensing in Spin-Stabilized Synchronous Satellites

I. Introduction

II. Attitude Sensing

III. Nutation

IV. Effects of Jet Pulsing

V. Disturbing Torques

VI. Conclusions

References


12. On the Motion of Explorer XI around Its Center of Mass

I. Observed Motion and Its Possible Explanation

II. Evaluation of Torques and Analysis of Motion

References


13. An Investigation of the Observed Torques Acting on Explorer XI

I. Introduction

II. Method of Orientation Determination

III. Results of the Orientation Determination

IV. Conclusions

References


14. Horizon Sensing in the Infrared: Theoretical Considerations of Spectral Radiance

I. Introduction

II. Path Length in the Curved, Refractive Atmosphere

III. Transmittance

IV. Calculation of Spectral Radiance

V. Results

References


15. Horizon Sensing for Attitude Determination

I. Introduction

II. Physical Phenomena Which May Be Used to Define the Horizon

III. Scanning Schemes

IV. Programs Which Use Horizon Scanning

V. Horizon Scanning Accuracy

VI. Conclusion

References


16. Earth Scan Analog Signal Relationships in the Tiros Radiation Experiment and their Application to the Problem of Horizon Sensing

I. Introduction

II. Instrumentation and Calibration

III. Selected Examples

IV. Summary and Conclusions

References

Author Index

Subject Index