Abstract
Compensation of external forces was achieved with a drag-free satellite in 1972. If a mission only requires drag compensation in a single direction, its proof mass may be passively supported in the lateral directions. Modulation of the radial suspension force can be used to damp radial motions actively but a final state of orbital motion of the proof mass about the suspension centerline is possible. Methods of preventing this proof mass orbital condition from being a final state are discussed. For a locally oriented satellite with intrack drag-free control, the forward-vertical orbital coupling can be used to damp the proof mass orbital motion using the intrack drag compensating thrustors. This system has been breadboarded and simulated. Its effectiveness is compared with satellite mass center-suspension center separation, lateral external disturbing accelerations, and other effects which change the suspension to a non-central force field.
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