An antenna system is configured for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) around Earth. The system has a plurality of antenna satellites coupled together to form a phased array. Each of the plurality of antenna satellites have an antenna body with an antenna and a solar cell. A processing device determines an orientation of the plurality of antenna satellites and position the phased array in the orientation based on an analysis of the solar cell of the antenna bodies facing the sun, the antenna of the antenna bodies facing the Earth, and maintaining a torque equilibrium of the phased array.

The PanelSat serves to launch one, better several satellites into space, whereby besides unfurling of the thin film solar cell panels off their rolls no further deployment is needed. PanelSats are small agile spacecraft thought especially for observation and communication services in LEO, which are using their thin film solar cell panels for both, harvesting electric energy as well as for fuel less station keeping, steering, pointing and propulsion. In contrast to conventional satellites with their 3-axis control design, PanelSats are not locked to only 3 axles and can tilt and point into several directions (depending on the number of panels). Besides Roller Reefing for fuel less attitude control PanelSats feature “Soso Steering” (switch on, switch off) which adds even better fuel less agility compared to prior art satellites.

The PanelSat serves to launch one, better several satellites into space, whereby besides unfurling of the thin film solar cell panels off their rolls no further deployment is needed. PanelSats are small agile spacecraft thought especially for observation and communication services in LEO, which are using their thin film solar cell panels for both, harvesting electric energy as well as for fuel less station keeping, steering, pointing and propulsion. In contrast to conventional satellites with their 3-axis control design, PanelSats are not locked to only 3 axles and can tilt and point into several directions (depending on the number of panels). Besides Roller Reefing for fuel less attitude control PanelSats feature “Soso Steering” (switch on, switch off) which adds even better fuel less agility compared to prior art satellites.

A satellite deorbiting device including an aerobraking surface including a satellite attitude control device with gravity gradient, the device with gravity gradient including at least one mast carrying the aerobraking surface, a first end of which is secured to the satellite and the second end of which is provided with a mass, such that the mast is oriented in a direction opposing that of the planet around which the satellite orbits.

A satellite deorbiting device including an aerobraking surface including a satellite attitude control device with gravity gradient, the device with gravity gradient including at least one mast carrying the aerobraking surface, a first end of which is secured to the satellite and the second end of which is provided with a mass, such that the mast is oriented in a direction opposing that of the planet around which the satellite orbits.

Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.

Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.

A satellite that includes a housing, a circuit board containing circuitry and disposed in the housing, a battery disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, one or more weights disposed in the housing, wherein the one or more weights are disposed away from a center of the housing, one or more solar panels on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, and an antenna electrically connected to the circuit board and including at least one segment that extends out of the housing. When multiple satellites are launched into orbit having different mass weights, they move away from each other at least partially because of the weight difference. In orbit, each satellite is subjected to aerodynamic drag torque and gravity gradient torque.

A satellite that includes a housing, a circuit board containing circuitry and disposed in the housing, a battery disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, one or more weights disposed in the housing, wherein the one or more weights are disposed away from a center of the housing, one or more solar panels on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, and an antenna electrically connected to the circuit board and including at least one segment that extends out of the housing. When multiple satellites are launched into orbit having different mass weights, they move away from each other at least partially because of the weight difference. In orbit, each satellite is subjected to aerodynamic drag torque and gravity gradient torque.

A device to stabilize and deorbit a satellite includes a pair of coplanar masts, each one carrying at least one membrane forming an aerobraking web. The masts are fixed to the satellite along non-parallel axes. Each mast is provided on the opposite end of the satellite with a mass to generate a gravity gradient. The end of each mast is fixed to the satellite. The masts form, with the bisectrix between the masts, a fixed angle to align the bisectrix with the satellite speed vector at any altitude.