Space Station Rotational Stability

Abstract

Designing for rotational stability can dramatically affect the geometry of a space station. If improperly designed, the rotating station could end up catastrophically tumbling end-over-end. Active stabilization can address this problem; however, designing the station with passive rotation stability provides a lower-cost solution. This paper presents passive rotational stability guidelines for four space station geometries. Station stability is first analyzed with thin-shell and thick-shell models. Stability is also analyzed with models of the station's major constituent parts, including outer shells, spokes, floors, air, and shuttle bays.