Some Applications of Passive Spacecraft Orientation Techniques 640506
A review is presented of the mission requirements and other considerations which led to the successful development of fully passive satellite orientation techniques at the Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University. Proven methods of magnetic and gravity-gradient attitude control are briefly described, and their utility in various applications is discussed. Some refinements and extensions of these techniques are examined in relation to projected missions, and some areas of profitable future development are outlined.
