Spin Stabilized Satellites

During the six years of operation of the Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME), LASP's mission analysis system has determined the attitude of this spinner to 0.03° rms. Suggestions to improve future system designs to achieve more accuracy are given in terms of: 1) Thermal expansion control. 2) Reduction of eddy current drag. 3) Reduction of aerodynamic torques. 4) Averaging of horizon sensor data. 5) Use of a star scanner. 6) Commandable dynamic balance adjustments. Accuracy of 0.001° seems possible and will be discussed in the context of geomagnetic mapping.