The stabilisation system

Abstract

The attitude stabilisation of Aryabhata was accomplished by spinning it about its axis of maximum moment of inertia. The spin stabilisation ensures satisfactory thermal control, uniform power generation through the body mounted solar panels and the scan capability for the scientific payloads. To bring down the nutation of the spinning spacecraft to a value well within the specified limits, a fluid-in-tube damper was also provided. The design philosophy, specifications, details and the dynamics of such a system are presented in this paper along with the qualification and performance evaluation tests of the components and subsystems. Also, the in-orbit performance of the stabisation system is discussed.