Dynamic simulation of spin-stabilized spacecraft with sloshing fluid stores

Abstract : Launching of several of the Star 48 Communications Satellites from the Space Shuttle have consistently resulted in a nutating motion of the spacecraft. Sloshing fluid stores have been suspected as a source of dynamic instability. A mathematical model of the sloshing fluid motion coupled with the satellite dynamics was developed and the launch phase simulated. The flight simulation similar behavior when compared to the telemetered flight data. Keywords: Coning motion; Communications satellites; Space launched.