Page 40 - SATELLITE AND RADAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

 Spin the stabilization
In this method, the body of the satellite rotates around its spin axis. In
general, it can be rotated at 30 to 100 rpm in order to produce a force,

which is of gyroscopic type. Due to this, the spin axis gets stabilized and
the satellite will point in the same direction. Satellites are of this type are

called as spinners.

 Three-axis stabilization
In this method, the satellite can be stabilized by using one or more mo-

mentum wheels. The advantage of this method is that the orientation of
the satellite in three axes will be controlled and no need of rotating
satellite’s main body. In this method, the following three axes are consid-

ered.
Roll axis is considered in the direction in which the satellite moves in

orbital plane.
Yaw axis is considered in the direction towards earth.

Pitch axis is considered in the direction, which is perpendicular to orbital
plane.

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Figure 2.7: Three-axis stabilization

Satellite System Elements