Methods to obtain the principal parameters of simple attitude control systems for small satellites

The present article deals with methods to determine the dynamical character istics of satellites with passive and semipassive attitude control systems (ACS). On the basis of determined dynamical characteristics the principal p arameters of ACS are obtained. The ACS interacting with the geomagnetic are considered here. It's reputed the ACS of such kind are wide used and simpl e one. Analytical relationships of these characteristics with the basic att itude control system parameters are presented, and the most important pecul iarities of such systems that were found while carrying out satellite dynam ics analysis are discussed. The results of system parameters optimization w ith certain criteria are also given where possible. The results presented m ay be applied at the preliminary design phase of satellite development. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.