Aerodynamic passive stabilization design and flight data analyses for transitional regime satellite LX-1

The transitional regime satellite LX-1, was designed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to conduct research on transitional regime rarefied gas. The LX-1 successfully stabilized attitudes by aerodynamic torque for more than 72 h. It featured the lowest orbit altitude between 110km and 130km of every active spacecraft and firstly confirmed aerodynamic passive stabilization design was feasible for transitional regime satellites. In the paper, the authors revealed the design methods, including stability analyses and design details in LX-1. As well, the presented flight data of LX-1 demonstrated that the design displayed the capability to maintain attitude better than 10∘ and 0.5∘/s for the transitional regime satellite. Further studies suggested that the design could simplify control system design, reduce the propellant requirement for active attitude control and prolong the satellite's lifetime. Therefore, aerodynamic passive stabilization design had considerable potential in aerospace engineering and the study could provide the experience for further research. •LX-1 had the lowest orbit for more than 72 h of an active spacecraft ever.•LX-1 firstly confirmed aerodynamic passive stability was feasible in engineering.•LX-1 firstly derived continuous flight data in transitional regime.•The verified passive design method was valuable reference for further research.•Transitional regime aerodynamic torque model was verified feasible in engineering.