The Flexural Behavior of PACSAT (Passive Communication Satellite) in Orbit

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA131406 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This report presents an analysis of the libration and vibration of a passive communications satellite known as PACSAT. It addresses the effects of various disturbing mechanical forces on verticality and straightness. Phenomena considered include orbital ellipticity, earth oblateness, solar and lunar gravity, radiation pressure, micrometeorial impacts, and thermal bending effects. The last two are the most important. It is concluded that the flexural misbehavior of PACSAT in orbit is such that it is most improbable that the present design unsupported linear array can perform its communications functions.

Author(s):
Sollfrey, William
Author Organization(s):
RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA
Supplementary Note:
See also ADA120243 and ADA112414.
Pagination:
0136

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
RAND/R-2936-ARPA
Contract/Grant Number(s):
MDA903-82-C-0068
Monitor Series:
DARPA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1.2_Wireless Transmission; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_1.4.2_Health Service Delivery; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, *COMMUNICATION SATELLITES, *FORCE(MECHANICS), *PASSIVE SYSTEMS, BENDING, ELLIPTICAL ORBIT TRAJECTORIES, FLEXIBLE STRUCTURES, FLEXURAL STRENGTH, GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS, IMPACT, METEORITES, MOTION, PERTURBATIONS, RADIATION PRESSURE, THERMAL PROPERTIES, VERTICAL ORIENTATION, VIBRATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unmanned Spacecraft, Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry, Command, Control and Communications Systems
Keyword(s):
PASCAT satellites, Earth Oblateness, Thermal bending, Center of mass motion, Rigid body libration
Report Date:
1983 Feb 01