The Precession of Spinning Bodies Due to Gravitational Gradient Torques.

T. B. Garber

ResearchPublished 1962

A presentation of general analytic solutions for the precessional motion of spinning bodies, with the restriction that the orbit be nearly circular. Numerical examples are given for specific cases. The importance of the attitude errors, which in the cases considered range from minutes of arc to degrees, depends on the intended use of the spinning body. For example, errors of the order of minutes of arc in a gyro reference device are of significance in the guidance of an orbital vehicle.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1962
  • Pages: 58
  • Document Number: RM-3191-PR

Citation

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Garber, T. B., The Precession of Spinning Bodies Due to Gravitational Gradient Torques. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1962. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3191.html.
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