When a satellites orbit experiences nodal precession, does this have any effect on the actual attitude or orientation of the satellite?
For example, if the satellite is pointing at a particular star, will it remain pointed at that star?
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1Interesting question! There might be some subtle higher order effect depending on the internal mass distribution within the satellite, but I think that a much stronger torque effect would dominate; that due to the radial gravity gradient of Earth alone, never mind the much smaller oblate bit. For more on that see... – uhoh Oct 16 '22 at 17:08
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1How does gravity-gradient stabilization work? and Help with my tensor tension; how to derive and calculate this rigid body gravity gradient torque? and Are all or some geostationary satellites tidally locked to the Earth? and What are damper booms, and how do they facilitate triaxial stabilization? – uhoh Oct 16 '22 at 17:08