Aerodynamic stabilization of satellites

  • Thread starter giber
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In summary, Rainmani was looking for information on aerodynamic stabilization of satellites. He was not able to find anything on the internet, and all he found was information on how URSS sent one (cosmos 149) with gravitational and aerodynamic control. He found a free PDF on the NASA website that explains the concept of torque equilibrium attitude. He also mentioned that the attitude that minimizes the drag force on the vehicle is called minimum drag attitude.
  • #1
giber
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i need to do a work about aerodynamic stabilization on satelites.. can anyone help

thanks
 
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  • #2
Try googling "torque equilibrium attitude".
 
  • #3
i don´t find anything about it... all papers to pay, not even examples of satellites... the only information was that URSS send one (cosmos 149) with gravitational and aerodynamic control.. nothing much...
 
  • #4
giber,
giber said:
i don´t find anything about it... all papers to pay, not even examples of satellites... the only information was that URSS send one (cosmos 149) with gravitational and aerodynamic control.. nothing much...

What, precisely, do you mean by aerodynamic stabilization of satellites? I would presume you know that there is no air in space, and as such any form of aerodynamic control surfaces (such as used on aircraft) are ineffective. And I think you should also define what specific form of stability you are researching: Spin stability or Orbit stability? Suffice it to say that use of the word "aerodynamic" whenever it comes to space (or anything above about 200,000 feet in altitude) is odd.

Rainman
 
  • #5
giber said:
i don´t find anything about it... all papers to pay, not even examples of satellites... the only information was that URSS send one (cosmos 149) with gravitational and aerodynamic control.. nothing much...


So bypass the pay sites. This one, for example, is free.
http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/MMAP/PIMS/MEIT/MEIT_pdfs/meit2002/Section19.pdf"


RainmanAero said:
Suffice it to say that use of the word "aerodynamic" whenever it comes to space (or anything above about 200,000 feet in altitude) is odd.

It is not odd at all. The exoatmosphere extends well beyond low Earth orbit. The Space Station's orbit, for example, decays by a few hundred meters per day due to atmospheric drag.

Approaches used by vehicles in low Earth orbit to address atmospheric drag include
  • Torque equilibrium attitude. Atmospheric drag imparts force and torque on the vehicle. The torque depends on attitude. If the vehicle has a non-spherical mass distribution, the gradient in the gravitation field also exerts a torque on the vehicle. Torque equilibrium attitude is the attitude that results in the smallest net torque on the vehicle from the combined effects of atmospheric drag torque and gravity gradient torque.
  • Minimum drag attitude. This is the attitude that minimizes the drag force on the vehicle.
  • Ah f*** it attitude. The vehicle has some science to perform. It pays the penalty and expends fuel to maintain the altitude and attitude needed to carry out its primary mission.
 
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1. What is aerodynamic stabilization of satellites?

Aerodynamic stabilization of satellites is a technique used to control the orientation and stability of a satellite in orbit by utilizing the forces of the surrounding atmosphere. This technique involves using the shape and surface area of the satellite to generate aerodynamic forces that can counteract disturbances and maintain the desired orientation of the satellite.

2. Why is aerodynamic stabilization important for satellites?

Aerodynamic stabilization is important for satellites because it allows them to maintain a stable and predictable orientation while in orbit. This is essential for various tasks such as maintaining communication with Earth, conducting scientific experiments, and monitoring the Earth's surface.

3. How does aerodynamic stabilization work?

Aerodynamic stabilization works by using the satellite's shape and surface area to generate aerodynamic forces that act as stabilizing forces. These forces are created by the interaction between the satellite's surface and the surrounding atmosphere, and they help to counteract any disturbances that may affect the satellite's orientation.

4. What are the key factors that influence the effectiveness of aerodynamic stabilization?

The key factors that influence the effectiveness of aerodynamic stabilization include the size and shape of the satellite, the density and composition of the atmosphere, and the satellite's altitude and velocity. Additionally, the satellite's center of mass and the placement of its aerodynamic surfaces also play a role in its stabilization.

5. Are there any limitations to aerodynamic stabilization of satellites?

Yes, there are some limitations to aerodynamic stabilization of satellites. For example, this technique is only effective in the lower layers of the atmosphere, so it cannot be used for satellites in higher orbits. Additionally, it may not be suitable for satellites with very large or irregular shapes, as they may not generate enough aerodynamic forces for stabilization.

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