CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A ROCKET DE-SPIN SYSTEM 

Jorge Roberto Wolf, Alfredo R. de Faria e Miguel Ângelo Menezes  


Resumo: The design concept and fabrication issues related to a de-spin system (also known as yo-yo system) to reduce angular velocity (spin) of an in-orbit rocket or satellite right after launch is presented in this article. Requirements related to the launch vehicle design, operational aspects of the launching campaign, inherent characteristics of the yo-yo system, fabrication of the yo-yo system and field testing are addressed. Solutions are proposed for the several items such as the structure of the rotating body to accommodate the yo-yo system, deployment of concentrated masses that effectively reduce spin, external wire release, adjustment of wire lengths, cutting device and materials selection. Comments on testing procedures are given base don the characteristics of design and fabrication of the de-spin system proposed.