Analysis of analytical attitude propagators for spin-stabilized satellites

Abstract

In this paper, analytical attitude propagators for spin-stabilized satellites are analyzed. For this purpose, external torques are introduced in the motion equations such as solar radiation pressure torque, aerodynamic torque, gravity gradient torque, and magnetic residual and eddy current torques. For the magnetic torques, it used both the dipole and quadripole Earth's magnetic field models. The obtained analytical solution is applied and compared with actual data for Brazilian data collection satellites SCD1 and SCD2. The results, when a daily data update is applied, based on the INPE-Brazilian Institute for Space Research supplied data, show a good agreement of all involved parameters with the actual deviations in the parameter values within the precision required for the satellite mission. This permits to conclude that the used theory is suitable for the studied problem. Thus, the propagators presented in this work can be applied to predict the rotational motion of spin-stabilized artificial satellites, particularly for SCD1 and SCD2 satellites over the considered time period.