Investigation of In-orbit Disturbing Loads Induced on Spacecraft Due To Elastic Deploying Arm

The loads induced on the spacecraft orbiting the Earth by the deploying elastic arm are investigated. The coupled equations of motion of the arm with the vehicle orbital mechanics are used to describe the 3D dynamic behavior of the flexible-appendage and the related disturbing loads induced on the spacecraft. To this end, an equivalent dynamical system is derived for the arm by applying an attached Non-Newtonian Reference Frame which is subjected to the orbital motion and geocentric pointing maneuver of the spacecraft. With the help of the Assumed Modes Method, the behavior of the arm attached to the spacecraft in Keplerian orbits is studied. The results show that deploying the arm in some specific directions relative to the orbital plane leads to serious coupling between two lateral displacements. In addition, the effects of specific orbital parameters on arm responses and resulting induced loads are studied for the cases of "True Anomaly of spacecraft at deployment time, and Eccentricity of elliptical orbits". The prediction of disturbing loads induced on spacecraft helps design the robust attitude control system. Further, the positioning accuracy of the payloads (installed on the arm-tip) can be estimated by employing the obtained arm responses in the orbital motion, which enables us to determine the undesirable motions and predict any required control system for the arm.