Velocity control and orientation of a spin-stabilized body

摘要: An orbiting satellite having a radio antenna and solar cells is oriented with respect to the earth sun optimize gain cell illumination. The enters its orbit around spin-axis initially perpendicular earth''s axis. desired orientation of spin axis parallel means provided for processing by applying reactive force in proper plane. Nutation damped viscous damper therein. Means sensing relative earth, sun, or both. Deviations from correct orbital period, eccentricity, phase are determined observations made earth. deviations predetermined amount direction.