A preselected axis other than the axis of maximum moment of inertia of a momentum stabilized spacecraft is oriented for alignment with the total angular momentum vector of the spacecraft by rotating one or more rotors to a critical rate of rotation. The rotation of the rotor or rotors is maintained at the critical rate to effect the desired rotation. The axis of the rotor or the effective angular momentum vector of the resultant momentum of a plurality of rotors is aligned with the axis of the desired spacecraft orientation. Energy dissipation assures stability by dissipating energy on the spacecraft body at a faster rate of dissipation than the rate of energy dissipation on the rotor.
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