Orbit-attitude-vibration Coupled Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of the Deorbit Sail System

The deorbit sail, as a cost-effective active deorbit device for spacecraft, can alleviate the space debris problems. However, with the development of large-scale constellation and the increasing size of spacecraft, higher requirements are placed on deorbit efficiency and capacity, for which the development of membrane sail systems with larger size and better configuration is required. The increased size amplifies the flexible properties of the deorbit sail and the attitude effect on the windward area, creating coupling effects with the orbital deceleration process. To investigate the complex dynamics of deorbit sail systems, this paper firstly establishes an orbit-attitude-vibration coupled dynamics model of the deorbit sail system using the hybrid coordinate method and the Kane equation. Then, the dual quaternion method is employed to unify orbital and attitude parameters, making the equations more concise and utilizing numerical simulation. The model above can describe the deorbit process of deorbit sail systems of arbitrary scale, configuration and mounting position, and the equations are concise and of low dimensions. Further, the model is simulated, and the results show that (1) The flexible deformation affects both orbit and attitude motion, with amplified effects under external disturbances; (2)The attitude-orbit coupling reduces effective windward area and prolongs deorbit time. The research provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent attitude and structural vibration stabilization control of the deorbit sail system and the deorbit efficiency prediction.