Abstract
In this first part of the work we develop the equations of motion of a triaxial space station in orbit around the oblate Earth. A first order solution of the problem is presented and the method of complete integration of the system is outlined up to second order of approximation. The zero order part of the Hamiltonian includes both the kinetic and potential energy (Earth's Newtonian attraction) of the station, while the motion in the vicinity of a specific configuration is assumed.
The solution leads to deviations on the attitude introduced by the oblateness of the Earth. Such attitude is an exact solution of the equations of the station when its center of mass moves in an elliptic Keplerian orbit.
The explicit expressions of the complete solution, discussion of other possible effects on the motion and numerical comparisons will be presented in the second part of the work.
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Giacaglia, G.E.O., Jefferys, W.H. Motion of a space station. I. Celestial Mechanics 4, 442–467 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01231403
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01231403