eli5: When probes are released into space they start to spin. What gives every object in space this momentum to rotate? Would it be possible to send something to space and release it very cautiously so it won’t get any energy from the releasing spacecraft and the object hence wouldn’t rotate?
In: Physics
You could, but it would be bad.
Even if it started with no spin in any axis, the first atom of gas or microscopic piece of something it came in contact with would start a rotation.
By establishing a specific, planned, controlled spin, you can use gyroscopic effects to offset other issues.
The alternative, like say the Hubble space telescope, is to have internal motor driven inertia wheels. This allows you to compensate for rotations the spacecraft picks up and turn it as desired. These systems are complex, and these gyros are the life-limiting factor in Hubble.
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