Chaos in pitch dynamics of monostable, bistable, and tristable satellites with damper in elliptical polar LEO/VLEO

This study investigates chaotic pitch dynamics of satellites in elliptical polar LEO and VLEO orbits, focusing on practically important aerodynamically monostable, bistable, and tristable configurations. Transitions between stability types are analyzed as functions of perigee altitude. A planar attitude motion model includes the influence of aerodynamic, gravitational, and magnetic torques, as well as a damper. The Melnikov method is applied to find conditions for chaotic attitude motion, and the resulting predictions are validated using Poincaré sections and maximum Lyapunov exponents. Regions of regular, semi-chaotic, and chaotic motion are identified in the system parameter space. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting damper parameters to avoid chaos and improve passive attitude stabilization in LEO/VLEO missions. • Attitude motion of magnetic satellite in elliptical polar LEO/VLEO is considered. • Chaos in pitch dynamics of monostable/bistable/tristable satellites is investigated. • System parameters suppressing chaos are indicated.