Stopping Rocket Spin: A Space Physics Mystery

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a historical technique used in space physics for stopping the rotation of satellites during launch. Participants recall a method involving a mass on a tether that unwinds to redistribute angular momentum, effectively halting spin. This technique, reminiscent of the U.S. space shuttle's use of attitude rockets, was reportedly utilized in the 1950s. A reference to a relevant Wikipedia article was also shared, confirming the existence of this method and providing additional resources for further exploration.

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  • Understanding of angular momentum in physics
  • Familiarity with satellite launch mechanics
  • Knowledge of historical space physics techniques
  • Basic concepts of rocket propulsion and control systems
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  • Research the historical techniques used in satellite rotation control
  • Explore the principles of angular momentum redistribution
  • Study the design and function of attitude control rockets
  • Investigate the evolution of satellite launch technologies from the 1950s to present
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Aerospace engineers, space physics students, historians of technology, and anyone interested in the mechanics of satellite launches and rotation control methods.

sophiecentaur
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When I was at Uni, in the 60s, we had a brief course on 'Space Physics'. It had a hotch potch of topics in it and one of them was about actually launching satellites.
'In those days', apparently, vehicles were rotated during the launch and this rotation had to be eliminated once they were in orbit. I have a vague memory of being told about about a technique that was described for slowing or stopping the rotation which consisted of a mass on a tether that was wrapped around the rocket / satellite. As it unwound, it was supposed to re-distribute the angular momentum to leave part of the load not spinning.
Does anyone know about this? It has been bugging me for years because I just can't remember the details or work out from scratch what they did.
 
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I've never heard of such a thing! It sounds very complex and "Rube Goldberg"ish to me. My understanding is that rotation is controlled by small rockets on the body that fire tangent to the rocket body. The U.S. space shuttle, which has wings, has small "attitude rockets" on the wings that first perpendicular to the wings.
 
You are talking in the present tense. I refer to techniques that were used, presumably in the '50s.
I don't think that the course at Reading Uni was particularly 'fanciful' and the textbook was ok in other respects, so I'm sure it wasn't just moonshine. (Shame is that I only ditched the book a few years ago - pre my membership of PF). If you remember, in those days, even a simple directional servo wasn't all that simple to achieve. If you could just load a vehicle with a coil of twine and a small mass and then guarantee to eliminate spin, it would be easier than a load of valves and batteries.
[Edit: PS. Rube Goldberg had his English equivalents in Heath Robinson and Emmet. Great fun and the source of many money making inventions for sure]
 
I just found a reference to what I was talking about: HERE.

At last - I can relax, it was really used! Some great references at the end of the wiki article.
 

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