Leung, Andrew Yee TakAndrew Yee TakLeungKuang, J.Tan, S.2022-03-232022-03-232004https://repository.sfu.edu.hk/handle/sfu/2698The Hamiltonian equations of a liquid-filled satellite subject to gravity-gradient torques in terms of the generalized Deprit variables are established for applying the Melnikov theory formally. The heteroclinic orbits of the torque-free symmetric liquid-filled satellite are found. A criterion for the heteroclinic transversal intersections at the onset of chaotic attitude is formulated using Melnikov’s integral. The results from the Melnikov theory are crosschecked with simulation.enjournal article10.1063/1.1629171