The launch profile metions a maneuver called Yo-Yo Spin. What is this and what is its purpose?
Prior to ignition of the Delta rocket third stage, the second stage fires small jets to spin-up the vehicle to 70 revolutions per minute. Then, the second stage is jettisoned and the third stage burn occurs. The high spin rate is needed for stability of the vehicle. After the burn is over, however, the Pathfinder spacecraft needed to be despun to a spin rate of 12 rpm (a higher spin rate would make it difficult for the sun sensors to acquire the Sun). The despin is accomplished by deploying two weights laterally from the third stage along tethers (like a figure skater extending her arms to slow her spin). The weights are appropriately called yo’s, and they are sized to despin the spacecraft to the desired rate. The yo’s detach from the third stage following deployment. –Dave Spencer, Mars Pathfinder Mission Design and Navigation Back to the top of the page.
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