Modeling the Angular Motion of Variable Structure Spacecraft Account to the Destabilizing Properties of the Jetstream

The work presents simulation of dynamics of a spacecraft (SC) with variable mass. The research is focused on studying natural dynamic properties of a SC with variable mass for the subsequent synthesis of control systems that minimize control inputs. Proper synthesis of natural motion dynamics, ensuring adequate evolutions of angular motion, will be subsequently taken as the basis for developing a software control law. It will also guarantee the acceptability of SC dynamics in cases of control systems failure. A generalized method for analyzing the phase trajectory curvature is used, being refined for the case in which the moments of forces applied to the SC depend on the angular velocity. Special cases are considered along with analyzing a spacecraft with dynamic asymmetry. Using the method, the presence of complex evolutions of angular motion is shown, in which the jet stream of the engine creates Coriolis effects (Magnus effect), destabilizing the precession cone and leading to an increase in the nutation angle.