METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SINGLE-AXIS GRAVITATIONAL ATTITUDE CONTROL OF AXISYMMETRICAL SPACECRAFT IN ORBIT OF EARTH SATELLITE Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; positioning of spacecraft in stable equilibrium in low-altitude orbit at optimal accuracy. SUBSTANCE: proposed method consists in matching center of mass of spacecraft in orbit with center of pressure excluding effect of aerodynamic moment on relative motion of spacecraft. Spacecraft has case and gravitational rod extended from it and fitted with weight at the end. Overall dimensions, masses and centering characteristics of the above-mentioned members are taken for the condition when center of mass of spacecraft (without gravitational attitude control system) is located at some distance from end datum plane of spacecraft which ensures above-mentioned matching of center of mass and center of pressure in extension of gravitational rod after injection of spacecraft into orbit and dampening near working equilibrium position. EFFECT: extended functional and operational capabilities of spacecraft and attitude control in orbit. 3 cl, 2 dwg, 1 tbl