Can a satellite do a yo-yo trick?
455,719
Published 2016-03-20
The job of keeping a spacecraft pointed in the right direction is called "attitude control." Some of you parents might have a different definition for that term, but one of the most widely-used techniques is spin stabilization. (Maybe it works on toddlers too?) Sometimes after spin stabilization, you need to despin, and that's where the yo-yo comes in. The Yo-Yo De-Spin mechanism involves deploying small masses which increase the moment of inertia, reducing angular velocity. This simple kids toy is doing an important job for rockets and satellites that actually do go around the world. Once they're released, the spacecraft has lost all its angular moment and stopped spinning.
Watch this video and the entire Practical Engineering catalog ad-free on Nebula: go.nebula.tv/practical-engineering
Thanks for watching, and let me know what you think in the comments! Visit my website (practical.engineering/) to learn more.
I use all Patreon earning to improve the quality (and quantity!) of videos: www.patreon.com/PracticalEngineering
Music: Doctor Vox - Gold ( • DOCTOR VOX - Gold [Royalty Free Music] )
Music: NICKV. - Sunday Stroll ( • Video )
All Comments (21)
-
I actually had a problem with this stalling a pump I was designing as I would pump the liquid out with the centrifuge effect the pump would rapidly slam to a stop as all the energy got used up moving the liquid outward. The solution of course was MOR POWAR!
-
"....except at the end, you get your arms cut off!" That made me laugh. Great video and explanations.
-
Just found your channel. Love it!
-
"Except at the end you get your arms cut off." Best rocket science line ever!
-
I think KSP makes people interested in engineering so it's great to have this kind of channel to help with our hunger for science knowledge ! Great video and great job, thank you !
-
Great demo!
-
I love how we hold "rocket science" in such high regard, ...when they litter more than anybody. If it's not solid rocket booster, or thermal insulation, it's abandoned satellites, road cars, or yo-yo despin masses.
-
This might be my new favorite channel. I just finished AP physics 1 in high school which gives me just enough knowledge to actually understand everything that is going on.
-
Thank you, /r/KerbalSpaceProgram, for bringing me here
-
This aggravates my Kessler Syndrome.
-
beautiful model of the classic yoyo despin. I love your quick release mechanism. thank you for this!
-
Coming back to this video several months after I watched it for the first time. Since Febryary I've been studying moment of inertia and its polar version, but hadn't yet clicked on my brain what they actually mean. Nothing that a smart video along with some coffee and cake couldn't clarify. Thank you 3000!
-
Excellent explanation and video. It all fell into place. thanks for another great episode!
-
the physics and dynamics don't get to my head without a good video with a good explanation ,i learn faster like this instead of the old way as books , great work man.
-
Bloody hell. I've known about spin stabilization for a long time. But I've never thought about the method of stopping the rotation. This method is absolutely brilliant.
-
The tethering trick is so ingenious. Makes you appreciate the capabilities of scientists c:
-
Great video and demonstration. Better than textbooks and college professors.
-
Very cool video Grady! I really liked how you brought together the simple concepts (such as the torque bolt) from the start of the video into the construction of the model at the end.
-
You know someone's a good engineer when you see him play KSP :D
-
Jesus Christ that video is awesome. Super easy to understand explanation. I should try to build my own yoyo system. I also love that you give your resources on your blog!
