Analysis of the Attitude Stability of a Space Station Subject to Parametric Excitation of Periodic Mass Motion

摘要

The future space station will contain a mechanism that transports mass across large distances of its surface. Accordingly, this study will derive the equations of attitude motion for a gravity-gradient stabilized space station whose moments of inertia are varying with time. The equations are linearized, after which Hill's Equation is used to determine pitch stability, while the Method of Multiple Scales is used to determine the roll/yaw stability of the system. Results show that for certain frequencies of mass motion, attitude motion can grow boundlessly with time. Consequently, the shape of the classical Lagrange stability region is altered. Keywords: Satellite attitude; Space stations; Astronautics; Theses. (jhd)