Dual-Spin Spacecraft - Instability of Intermediate and Minimum Principal Axes for Free Rigid Bodies

Explore the dynamics of dual-spin spacecraft and the instability of intermediate and minimum principal axes for free rigid bodies in this 40-minute lecture. Delve into the Intermediate Axis Theorem, demonstrating why rotation about the intermediate axis is unstable over short time scales. Examine the long-term instability of rotation about the minimum axis due to energy dissipation. Learn about historical satellite examples and discover the dual-spin approach for passively stabilizing spacecraft spin about any principal axis. Analyze the equations of motion and necessary fly-wheel spin to achieve stability in dual-spin spacecraft. Gain insights into space vehicle dynamics, attitude stabilization techniques, and the practical applications of rigid body dynamics in spacecraft design and operation.

Introduction | general rigid bodies, all principal axes different.
Intermediate axis instability (Tennis Racket Theorem).
Phone toss, book toss to demonstrate.
Long-term instability of the minimum inertia axis.
Historical space missions, learning lessons from failure.
Dual-spin spacecraft stabilization.