Chaotic motion of 3U Cubesat with deployable side panels

Abstract

The attitude motion of a small satellite with deployable side panels designed for passive aerodynamic stabilization in a rarefied atmosphere is considered. The influence of the aerodynamic and gravitational torques on the motion near the unstable and stable equilibrium positions at altitudes of 300–650 km is studied. The presence of the unstable equilibrium position and flexible elements is the cause of chaos. The equations of planar motion of the satellite with deployed flexible panels are obtained. A relationship between the satellite parameters is found, determining the range of altitudes in which the chaos is possible. The results of this paper can be used to assess the limits of applicability of passive aerodynamic stabilization for small satellites with deployable side panels.