A Numerical Analysis for Passive Attitude Stabilization Using a Tethered Balloon on a Gravity Gradient Satellite

This research effort analyzes the fundamental dynamics governing a satellite with a gravity gradient boom and a tethered balloon. Satellites that use gravity gradient booms for passive attitude control are characterized by undamped pitch oscillations and no roll control. The tethered balloon acts as a high drag device that accounts for the most drag on the satellite system. By attaching a drag device, the system resists rolling movements while also damping oscillations. This could potentially be a cost effective method for increasing satellite stabilization. The goal of this research is to model the dynamics and determine the feasibility of a gravity gradient stabilized satellite with an attached balloon. A simulation written in Matlab analyzes the behavior of such a satellite. The research is limited to circular orbits around a spherical Earth and includes only in-plane motion for each mass. Stable ranges for certain tether characteristics are found for three different satellites