CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA FOR A LARGE SPACE STRUCTURE IN LOW-EARTH-ORBIT

Such natural environmental torques as the gravity gradient could subst antially influence the attitude behavior of a large space structure, e specially in a low Earth orbit, Basic criteria are introduced for cons tructing a large structure in a low Earth-orbit environment, by using the Solar Power Satellite as a model, The criteria for the basic confi guration and construction sequence are derived from the stability map from the rigid-body equations, In addition, two types of multibody equ ations of motion (chain and octopus) are introduced to examine transie nt behaviors during construction. Specifically, inertia matrix change, including asymmetrical configuration change, construction speed, inte rnal momentum change, and energy dissipation, are considered. Results from the transient behavior studies are included, in a general level, in a set of construction criteria.