An earth pole-sitter using hybrid propulsion

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.

PDF
Ceriotti_M_McInnes_CR_Strathprints_An_Earth_pole_sitter_using_hybrid_propulsion_Aug_2010.pdf
Preprint
Download (812kB)

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 metadata

Item type:	Conference or Workshop Item(Paper)
ID code:	26370
Dates:	Date Event 2 August 2010 Published
Keywords:	hybrid solar sail propulsion, solar electric propulsion, pole-sitter orbits, propellant mass fraction, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering
Subjects:	Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Department:	Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Depositing user:	Ms Katrina May
Date deposited:	05 Aug 2010 11:55
Last modified:	09 Apr 2021 00:07
Related URLs:	Event
URI:	https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/26370

Export

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)