Influence of the variable aerodynamic moment on satellite attitude motion

Attitude motion of a rigid body in the plane of a circular orbit under gravitational and aerodynamic moments is considered. The mode of the motion of a satellite gravitational stabilization when its long axis moves in the vicinity of a local vertical is investigated. Allowance of variations in the atmosphere density at a satellite orbital motion and in the aerodynamic moment coefficient depending on its orientation to an approach flow is included in the aerodynamic moment model. An analytical solution of a small oscillations equation is obtained, and it is shown that the variability of the aerodynamic moment may have a pronounced effect on the accuracy of the satellite stabilization.