Satellite stabilization system

摘要

A satellite stabilization system compensates for the destabilizing torque introduced by solar radiation pressure by the emplacement of tabs of material angled relative to the back surfaces of the antenna reflectors to intercept solar rays. The material of the tabs interacts with the solar radiation in substantially the same manner as the interaction of the material on the back surface of each antenna reflector to produce a radiation pressure and consequential increment in a torque about an axis of the satellite. Each of the tabs is constructed in the manner of a plate or disk, and is attached by means of a spring mount to the back surface of one of the reflectors. The reflectors are angled relative to each other, as well as to a body of the satellite which holds feeds for illuminating the reflectors, for directing beams of radiation from the feeds towards the earth. Due to the angulation of the reflectors to each other, the total solar energy incident upon a pair of of the reflectors is generally unequal, this resulting in a net torque from the solar radiation pressure which tends to rotate the satellite. By virtue of the angulation of the tabs relative to the reflectors, an increased amount of solar radiation is received by the reflector which is angled away from the sun's rays, thereby to equalize the torque from both of the reflectors.