FIELD: space engineering; development of spacecraft injected into elliptical orbits at altitude of 300 to 500 km. SUBSTANCE: device includes extensible gravitational rod with weight at the end. Dimensional, mass and centering characteristics ensure coincidence of center of mass of spacecraft (at working position of its gravitational attitude control system) with common geometric center of spacecraft and above-mentioned system. Mean diameter of gravitational rod is found from special relationship between above-mentioned characteristics. Limitation for mass of weight and length of rod is determined depending on altitude of orbit and preset accuracy of spacecraft attitude control. EFFECT: extended functional and operational capabilities due to avoidance of effect of systematic aerodynamic moment component on attitude control. 3 cl, 2 dwg
Authors
Dates
2001-05-27—Published
2000-02-21—Filed