Chaos in gravity gradient satellite pitch dynamics via the method of Melnikov

Gary L. Gray, Mark C. Stabb

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The attitude motion of both natural and artificial satellites are affected by perturbations due to gravitational gradient torques. Irregularly shaped natural satellites subject to gravity gradient torques tumble chaotically before being captured in synchronous rotation. On the other hand, pointing requirements of many satellites in planetary orbit require the determination of attitude dynamics and are naturally in pitch axis stabilizing gravity gradient field with active control systems. This study presents some of the more powerful ideas of modern dynamical systems theory to study the effect of active control on the pitch dynamics of a satellite in a gravity gradient field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
PublisherPubl by Univelt Inc
Pages441-442
Number of pages2
Editionpt 1
ISBN (Print)0877033781
StatePublished - 1993
EventProceedings of the AAS/NASA International Symposium on Advances in the Astronautical Sciences - Greenbelt, MD, USA
Duration: Apr 26 1993Apr 30 1993

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Numberpt 1
Volume84
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Other

OtherProceedings of the AAS/NASA International Symposium on Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
CityGreenbelt, MD, USA
Period4/26/934/30/93

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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