Numerical Modeling of Spacecraft Orbital and Attitude Motion
Abstract:
In the tutorial, basic techniques and methods used in space flight modeling are presented. The problem of choosing a set of variables for numerical simulation of satellite orbital and attitude motion is discussed. We describe the most common methods of integrating the equations of motion and pay attention to the important question of integrating the equations with a discontinuous right-hand side. In addition, some recommendations are given regarding the coupled orbit-attitude motion simulation when a spacecraft rotates fast. The tutorial is primarily intended for undergraduate students beginning the study of space flight mechanics though can be also useful as a reference book for graduate/postgraduate students, faculty, and all the specialists who encounter the problem of space flight numerical modeling.
Keywords:
numerical modeling, orbital motion, attitude motion, spacecraft
