Assembly and disassembly dynamics of modular solar power satellite

Laino, Maria Anna and Vasile, Massimiliano (2023) Assembly and disassembly dynamics of modular solar power satellite. In: 74th International Astronautical Congress, 2023-10-02 - 2023-10-06, Heydar Aliyev Centre. (https://iafastro.directory/iac/paper/id/76662/summ...)

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Abstract

Managing the disposal of large-scale modular structures in space, like Solar Power Satellites (SPS), poses a complex challenge. The modularity of these systems facilitates the replacement of malfunctioning components via space robotics, offering the potential for extended operational lifespans. In this context, it is crucial to understand how such structures behave during nominal operations and when they are being assembled or disassembled. The aim of this work is to analyse the dynamics of a large-scale modular structure, like an SPS in Earth orbit, while it is subject to a range of forces and during the assembly and disassembly processes. The dynamical model representing a SPS-ALPHA like satellite is derived. The structure is modelled as a tethered satellite, with two masses at the edges of a rigid rod, one representing the system of reflectors intercepting sunlight, the other the primary array transmitting to Earth the energy in form of a microwave beam. The satellite is located in a Geostationary orbit and it is subject to Earth’s gravity, solar radiation pressure and to the reaction force resulting from the discharge of the microwave beam. The evolution of the attitude angles and the phase space associated to chaos indicators are derived and compared for different scenarios: nominal without non-conservative forces, nominal with solar radiation pressure and microwave beam forces and during the assembly and disassembly phases. These phases are simulated by varying the area and mass of the system of reflectors over time. This analysis provides valuable insights into the behaviour of tethered satellites in Earth orbit, and constitutes an important step in understanding how a peculiar structure like that of a SPS can respond to a range of operational conditions.

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