METHOD OF THREE-AXIS GRAVITATIONAL ATTITUDE CONTROL OF SPACECRAFT IN ORBIT OF EARTH SATELLITE Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; placing spacecraft in stable position in circular orbit at optimal accuracy. SUBSTANCE: method includes injection of spacecraft into orbit, coarse orientation, shifting to stable equilibrium position during motion in circular orbit. Rods of gravitational attitude control system are extended in fan-shaped pattern towards one side from center of mass upon completion of coarse orientation of spacecraft in orbit deforming the initial inertia ellipsoid to shape corresponding to stable position in orbit at optimal accuracy of orientation when ratio of semi-average and semi-major axes of inertia ellipsoid ranges from 0.6 to 0.9. EFFECT: optimal stability of working position of spacecraft; reduction of mass of gravitational attitude control system. 2 dwg