A Study of Oscillations near a Resonance during the Descent of a Spacecraft in the Atmosphere

An analysis of the stability of the resonance motion of a spacecraft with a small asymmetry during its descent in the atmosphere is carried out. In the vicinity of the main resonance, the action–angle variables are introduced and an equation of the variation of action is composed. A conclusion related to the stability of the resonance motion is made from the investigation of this equation. Sufficient conditions of stability of the resonance motion of a spacecraft are obtained and represented in a form convenient for analysis.