<h2>AAS 97-118</h2>
<h2> THE DYNAMICS AND MODELING FIDELITY OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST  THE STABILITY OF SPINNING SPACECRAFT UNDER THRUST                                   </h2>
<h4> D. M. Halsmer, Oral Roberts University                                                                                                                                   </h4>
<h2> Abstract </h2>
 Establishing the stability characteristics of non-rigid, spinning bodies in the  presence of thrust presents a formidable challenge.  The importance of this problem  is underscored by instabilities observed during the upper-stage firing of certain  solid-propellant rocket motors.  Analytical studies, including computer  simulations, have had limited success in characterizing coning stability in these  situations.  An experimental approach to the problem is suggested to validate  previous work, and provide an additional perspective which is expected to yield  further insights into the dynamics and control of such maneuvers.