Prediction of Skylab attitude motion for space shuttle revisit

Computer simulations were employed to generate results, based on a fairly complicated analytical model. Environmental effects considered include atmospheric drag and gravity gradients. Mathematical models were based on Euler's moment equations and transformations from the body frame to inertial frame. A range of altitudes was considered, from 278 kilometers to 417 kilometers. Skylab is predicted to be in this orbital range during the 1979-1980 period. Results indicated that there will be a cyclic attitude motion due to the combined effect of gravity gradient and atmosphere drag. This motion can be characterized as being a slow tumble.