Ceriotti, M. and McInnes, C.R. (2010) An earth pole-sitter using hybrid propulsion. In: AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference 2010, 2010-08-02 - 2010-08-05, Toronto, Canada.
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Abstract
In this paper we investigate optimal pole-sitter orbits using hybrid solar sail and solar electric propulsion (SEP). A pole-sitter is a spacecraft that is constantly above one of the Earth's poles, by means of a continuous thrust. Optimal orbits, that minimize propellant mass consumption, are found both through a shape-based approach, and solving an optimal control problem, using a direct method based on pseudo-spectral techniques. Both the pure SEP case and the hybrid case are investigated and compared. It is found that the hybrid spacecraft allows consistent savings on propellant mass fraction. Finally, is it shown that for sufficiently long missions (more than 8 years), a hybrid spacecraft, based on mid-term technology, enables a consistent reduction in the launch mass for a given payload, with respect to a pure SEP spacecraft.
| Item type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| ID code: | 26370 |
| Keywords: | hybrid solar sail propulsion, solar electric propulsion, pole-sitter orbits, propellant mass fraction, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics |
| Subjects: | Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics |
| Department: | Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
| Related URLs: | |
| Depositing user: | Ms Katrina May |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Aug 2010 12:55 |
| Last modified: | 12 Dec 2012 02:20 |
| URI: | http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/26370 |
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