Attitude control of spinning solar sails based on modal analysis

Abstract

Attitude dynamics and control of spinning solar sails are investigated considering the flexibility of sail membranes. Attitude maneuver of solar sails is, in many cases, performed using thrusters. In most studies, the attitude motion is analyzed assuming that the spacecraft is a rigid disk. However, the sail membrane deforms during attitude maneuver due to flexibility. This may cause coupled vibration between the spacecraft main body and sail membrane. This study presents an analysis model of spinning solar sail attitude dynamics considering sail deformation, based on modal analysis. Show more