Control of dumbbell satellite orbits using moving mass actuators

Principles of moving mass control the orbital parameters an artificial dumbbell shaped satellite are discussed in present paper. The rationale is to implement a non-jet principle actuation by varying geometry through its internal degrees-of-freedom. This can be achieved spinning massive parts and changing their relative distance upon angle according suggested strategies. schemes aim at maintaining desired size orientation with respect radius order take advantage variations gravitational field along elliptical orbit. results demonstrate that total energy follow prescribed temporal profile controlling on orbit accurately track target. Analytical estimates for satellite’s versus number cycles determined from closed-form solutions. Results both analytical numerical integration sufficient agreement.