Long-Duration Exposure Facility
Attitude control of the LDEF spacecraft was achieved with gravity gradient (This is a method of stabilizing artificial satellites in a fixed orientation using only the orbited body's mass distribution and the Earth's gravitational field. The main advantage is the low use of power and resources.) and inertial distribution to maintain three-axis stability in orbit. Propulsion or other attitude control systems were therefore not required, and LDEF was free of acceleration forces and contaminants from jet firings. (USAF photo)
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