MULTI BODY MODEL APPROACH TO OBTAIN CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA FOR A LARGESPACE STRUCTURE

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. This paper has tried to introduce the basic criteria for constructing a large structure in low-orbit environ ment, by using the Solar Power Satellite as a model. The criteria can be derived from the static stability map from the rigid body equations and the dynamic behavior from the multi body equations. The multi-bod y octopus type equations of motion has been introduced to examine tran sient behaviors during construction. Specifically, inertia matrix chan ge including unsymmetrical configuration change, construction speed an d internal momentum change are considered. These results from the tran sient behavior studies are included, in a general level, in a set of c onstruction criteria. (C) 1998 International Astronautical Federation. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.