Techniques for detumbling a disabled space base

Abstract

Techniques and conceptual devices for carrying out detumbling operations are examined, and progress in the development of these concepts is discussed. Devices which reduce tumble to simple spin through active linear motion of a small mass are described, together with a Module for Automatic Dock and Detumble (MADD) that could perform an orbital transfer from the shuttle in order to track and dock at a preselected point on the distressed craft. Once docked, MADD could apply torques by firing thrustors to detumble the passive vehicle. Optimum combinations of mass-motion and external devices for various situation should be developed. The need for completely formulating the automatic control logic of MADD is also emphasized.