Rick - I think that they use a permanent magnet aligned with the long axis of the satellite. When it goes over the magnetic poles, the permanent magnet (an the satellite) flip to follow the magnetic field lines. Say the North end of the magnetic is the leading end of the satellite as it ascends from equator to the pole. WHen it goes over the pole, the north end of the satellite becomes the trailing edge as the satellite descends form the pole to the equator. Slick. - Duffey On Aug 11, 2008, at 12:50 PM, Rick Mann wrote:
On Aug 11, 2008, at 06:12:56, wouter weggelaar wrote:
As Delfi-C3 goes over the earths poles, it flips itself 180 degrees in Z axis (perpendicular to earth). Otherwise one side will be always
Are you saying it has an active attitude control that it uses to change orientation right as it crosses the poles? Or is the satellite rotating with a period equal to that of its orbit?
TIA,
Rick
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-- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM