In view of the need of an accurate modelling of nongravitational forces on laser-tracked satellites, it is important to understand their rotational dynamics, which determines the temperature anisotropy and the ensuing radiation recoil effects. We propose a model of the torques acting on LAGEOS due to eddy currents and gravity gradient. The electromotive forces induced in the spacecraft by its rotation in the magnetic field of the Earth dissipate angular momentum and produce a precession of the spin axis; the oblate spacecraft will precess in the gravitational field of the Earth at a rate proportional to the rotation period. Therefore the gravitational torques become more and more important with time and eventually may produce a chaotic dynamics. The predicted evolution of the spin period agrees very well with the few experimental data available and corresponds to an approximately exponential growth rate of about 3 years.

THE ROTATION OF LAGEOS / B., Bertotti; Iess, Luciano. - In: JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. - ISSN 0148-0227. - 96:B2(1991), pp. 2431-2440. [10.1029/90jb01949]

THE ROTATION OF LAGEOS

IESS, Luciano
1991

Abstract

In view of the need of an accurate modelling of nongravitational forces on laser-tracked satellites, it is important to understand their rotational dynamics, which determines the temperature anisotropy and the ensuing radiation recoil effects. We propose a model of the torques acting on LAGEOS due to eddy currents and gravity gradient. The electromotive forces induced in the spacecraft by its rotation in the magnetic field of the Earth dissipate angular momentum and produce a precession of the spin axis; the oblate spacecraft will precess in the gravitational field of the Earth at a rate proportional to the rotation period. Therefore the gravitational torques become more and more important with time and eventually may produce a chaotic dynamics. The predicted evolution of the spin period agrees very well with the few experimental data available and corresponds to an approximately exponential growth rate of about 3 years.
1991
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
THE ROTATION OF LAGEOS / B., Bertotti; Iess, Luciano. - In: JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. - ISSN 0148-0227. - 96:B2(1991), pp. 2431-2440. [10.1029/90jb01949]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/477103
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