Demonstrations using the Algodoo software and a custom-built physical model of a rotating satellite. The job of keeping a spacecraft pointed in the right direction is called "attitude control." Some of you parents might have a different definition for that term, but one of the most widely-used techniques is spin stabilization. (Maybe it works on toddlers too?) Sometimes after spin stabilization, you need to despin, and that's where the yo-yo comes in. The Yo-Yo De-Spin mechanism involves deploying small masses which increase the moment of inertia, reducing angular velocity. This simple kids toy is doing an important job for rockets and satellites that actually do go around the world. Once they're released, the spacecraft has lost all its angular moment and stopped spinning. Watch this video and the entire Practical Engineering catalog ad-free on Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/practical-engineering Thanks for watching, and let me know what you think in the comments! Visit my website (http://practical.engineering/) to learn more. I use all Patreon earning to improve the quality (and quantity!) of videos: https://www.patreon.com/PracticalEngineering Music: Doctor Vox - Gold (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM-hX0BQf40) Music: NICKV. - Sunday Stroll (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ecNhsUHJd4)