ON THE SEMIPASSIVE ATTITUDE-CONTROL AND PROPULSION OF SPACE-VEHICLES USING SOLAR-RADIATION PRESSURE

This paper briefly reviews attitude dynamics and trajectory mechanics of spacecraft in the presence of environmental forces with particular emphasis on the solar radiation induced pressure and thermal effects on attitude dynamics. In general, the effect is destabilizing as indicated by a significant reduction in the size of the limiting integral manifold. However, several semi-passive controllers have been proposed which can use the environmental forces to advantage in stabilizing the system. Furthermore, the solar radiation-induced forces can be used to advantage for propulsion and trajectory transfer. Examples of contemporary interest illustrate effectiveness of the concepts in achieving desired attitude and trajectory.