Magnetic Attitude Control of Dynamically Unbalanced Spinning Spacecraft during Orbit Raising

Abstract

AbstractIn this article, the use of a magnetic attitude control system (MACS) in preparing a spacecraft for orbit circularization without the use of high-level torque-restoring actuators is investigated. The main task of the attitude control subsystem is to maneuver the spacecraft so that its spin axis direction aligns with the direction of its velocity at the apogee place and to execute the spacecraft spin up for orbit circularization. The attitude control system is required to provide a desired attitude for maneuvering, such that the relevant maneuvers can be accomplished sequentially and successively at the apogee point. The nutation angle control system has been designed to maintain the nutation angle to less than 10° during orbital maneuvers. The magnitude of thrust force, duration of thrust application in each maneuver, and spin rate are chosen in such a way that the desired attitude of the satellite is not affected by maneuver-induced disturbances. This selection has been finalized through repeated...