A body 's center of gravity is the point around which the resultant torque due to gravity forces vanishes. Where a gravity field can be considered to be uniform, the mass - center and the center - of - gravity will be the same. However, for satellites in orbit around a planet, in the absence of other torques being applied to a satellite, the slight variation (gradient) in gravitational field between closer - to (stronger) and further - from (weaker) the planet can lead to a torque that will tend to align the satellite such that its long axis is vertical. In such a case, it is important to make the distinction between the center - of - gravity and the mass - center. Any horizontal offset between the two will result in an applied torque.
where is the center of gravity located on the body
the point around which the resultant torque due to gravity forces vanishes