Equilibria of a satellite subjected to gravitational and aerodynamic torques with pressure center in a principal plane of inertia

Attitude motion of a satellite subjected to gravitational and aerodynamic torques in a circular orbit is considered. In special case, when the center of pressure of aerodynamic forces is located in one of the principal central planes of inertia of the satellite, all equilibrium orientations are determined. Existence conditions of all equilibria are obtained and evolution of domains with a fixed number of equilibria is investigated in detail. All bifurcation values of the system’s parameters corresponding to the qualitative change of these domains are determined. Sufficient conditions of stability are obtained for each equilibrium orientation using generalized integral of energy.