Aerodynamic attitude stabilization for a small, low-orbiting, manoeuvrable satellite

Abstract

There is growing interest in small, cheap satellites operating in low Earth orbit on a number of possible missions. Most low-cost launch methods leave the satellite in a low orbit in which atmospheric drag limits orbital lifetime. Orbit raising or drag-compensation propulsion system on such satellites typically have very low thrust levels, so for this thrust to be useful, the spacecraft must be continuously aligned along its velocity vector. The feasibility of passive or semi-passive attitude stabilization using aerodynamic torques to achieve this is briefly examined.