Spin Periods Estimation of Geostationary Spin-Stabilized Satellites

• Main Authors: D. K. Lee, S. J. Kim, W. Y. Han, J. S. Park, S. W. Min
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Space Science Society (KSSS) 2002-03-01
• Series: Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
• Subjects: geostationary satellites; photometric observation; spinning satellites
• Online Access: http://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kosss/OJOOBS/2002/v19n1/OJOOBS_2002_v19n1_67.pdf

Optical observations of Geostationary and Molynia orbit spin-stabilized satellites over the Korean peninsula have been carried out at the Kyung Hee University Observatory with a 30 inch telescope. We have observed 5 spin-stabilized satellites, and obtained spin periods, which can be used for deducing a design for each bus model. Verifications of spin periods of 3 known satellites from manufacturer, and observations of 2 unknown satellites were made. The difference between known spin periods and observed spin periods is 0.06sec on the average and the difference of those spin rates is 3.3rpm on the average. Those results indicate that spin periods and spin rates of observed geostationary spin-stabilized satellites are within operating limits. Spin rates of unknown satellites, Fengyun 2B and Molynia 1-87 are 89.3rpm, 78.4rpm each. It is suggested that the research of spin stabilized satellites can be used for the determinations of standard light sources for short period celestial objects and helpful for the constructions of satellite databases with photometric and/or spectroscopic satellite observations.