AbstractMotion of the Salyut 6-Soyuz orbital station is investigated for a simple mechanical model under the single-axis gravity gradient attitude control. The motion equations of the orbital station involve both gravity gradient and restoring aerodynamic torques. Using the small parameter method a formal two-dimensional integral manifold of these equations is constructed to describe slow oscillations and rotations of the orbital station about its longitudinal axis approximately directed along the local vertical. It is proposed that such motions of the orbital station can be considered as undisturbed nominal motions under the gravity gradient attitude control. The above integral manifold and the disturbed motion near it have been studied numerically.
Gravity gradient stabilization of large space stations
Acta Astronautica ; 8 , 5-6 ; 549-573
1981-02-03
25 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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