2026. Three Axis Center of Gravity Determination on a Spin Balance Machine
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Paper
Abstract
A method is presented for locating the center of gravity of a spacecraft along the spin axis by modifying the spin balance procedure. The resulting ”Z” cg determination is inexpensive, accurate, easily accomplished, and has the additional characteristics of simplifying spacecraft processing. The method is based on performing a second spin balance about an arbitrary axis which is parallel to, but shifted from the original spin axis. A parameter sensitivity analysis together with a special purpose test performed on a Star 37 motor show the method to be valid and practical.
