Method for controlling satellite attitude, and attitude-controlled satellite

Method for controlling the attitude of a satellite (1,2) in orbit around a celestial object, said satellite comprising at least:

• an observation instrument (10,20),
• a solar panel (11,21a),
• a radiator (12,22),
• a star sensor (13,23),
• arranged on the satellite (1,2) such that, in a reference frame associated with said satellite and defined by three orthogonal axes X, Y, Z:
• the observation axis of the observation instrument (10,20) is parallel to the Z-axis,
• the solar panel (11,21a) is parallel to the Y-axis,
• the radiator (12,22) is arranged on one of the sides −X, +Y, or −Y of the satellite,
• the star sensor (13,23) is directed toward the half space corresponding to the negative X values,
• in which said method, the attitude of the satellite (1,2) is controlled during an activity period (J) around the X-axis for roll control and around the Y-axis for pitch control to point one direction {right arrow over (z)}(t) of the axis of observation of the observation instrument (10,20) towards areas to be observed of the celestial object, said process being characterized in that the yaw attitude around the Z-axis of the satellite (1,2) is controlled to keep the Sun on the side of the half-space corresponding to positive X values and to ensure that a minimum insolation of the solar panel (11,21a) constraint C1 is satisfied during observation phases of the activity period (J).