Asymptotic Motion of a Satellite under the Action of Sdot Magnetic Attitude Control

Abstract

Satellite angular motion under the action of the Sdot one-axis magnetic control algorithm is analyzed. Sdot control stabilizes the maximum moment of inertia axis towards the Sun. Evolutionary equations that avoid singularity in the required position are derived. Linearization of equations is performed and new variables that describe the maximum moment of inertia axis oscillations amplitudes are introduced. The resulting equations are suitable for the averaging method application. Evolutionary equations for slow variables are solved. Simplified evolutionary expressions are verified with numerical simulation.