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The rotational motion of an earth orbiting gyroscope according to the Einstein theory of general relativityThe classical Poisson equations of rotational motion are used to study the attitude motions of an earth orbiting, rapidly spinning gyroscope perturbed by the effects of general relativity (Einstein theory). The center of mass of the gyroscope is assumed to move about a rotating oblate earth in an evolving elliptic orbit which includes all first-order oblateness effects produced by the earth. A method of averaging is used to obtain a transformation of variables, for the nonresonance case, which significantly simplifies the Poisson differential equations of motion of the gyroscope. Long-term solutions are obtained by an exact analytical integration of the simplified transformed equations. These solutions may be used to predict both the orientation of the gyroscope and the motion of its rotational angular momentum vector as viewed from its center of mass. The results are valid for all eccentricities and all inclinations not near the critical inclination.
Document ID
19790062369
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Hoots, F. R.
(USAF, Aerospace Defense Command, Colorado Springs Colo., United States)
Fitzpatrick, P. M.
(Auburn University Auburn, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Celestial Mechanics
Volume: 20
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Accession Number
79A46382
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-28366
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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