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Effect of environmental forces on the attitude dynamics of gravity orientated satellites

Part III—Close Earth Orbits Accounting for Aerodynamic Forces

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

R. C. Flanagan  and
V. J. Modi
R. C. Flanagan
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toronto
V. J. Modi
Affiliation:
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Extract

For satellites that have part or all of their orbits extending into the earth's effective atmosphere, i.e. less than 500 miles, it is necessary to consider the contribution of the aerodynamic force in attitude dynamic studies. The importance of the aerodynamic torque is revealed by the fact that it is comparable to earth radiation at 500 miles, direct solar radiation at 400 miles, and depending on satellite geometry, can be as large as gravity gradient torque at 200-300 miles. Hence, in addition to solar and earth radiation torques, this paper includes the effect of the rarefied atmosphere on the response of gravity gradient satellites, thus covering the entire altitude range.

Type
Technical notes
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 76 , Issue 733 , January 1972 , pp. 34 - 40
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1972 

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References

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