Three-dimensional time Optimal Multi-reversal Orbit by Using Solar Sailing

In this paper a new family of three dimensional (3D) non-Keplerian orbits is produced by using ideally reflective solar sailing. A sailcraft departs from the Earth orbit to accomplish a novel periodic orbit with orbital angular momentum reversing four times over one period. Such a new kind of orbit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of the astronautical sciences 2013-12, Vol.60 (3-4), p.378-395
Main Authors: Zeng, Xiangyuan, Alfriend, Kyle T., Vadali, S. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace Technology and Astronautics
Angular momentum
Aphelions
Computer simulation
Earth orbits
Engineering
Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences
Mathematical models
Orbitals
Sailing
Space Exploration and Astronautics
Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics
Three dimensional
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Summary:In this paper a new family of three dimensional (3D) non-Keplerian orbits is produced by using ideally reflective solar sailing. A sailcraft departs from the Earth orbit to accomplish a novel periodic orbit with orbital angular momentum reversing four times over one period. Such a new kind of orbit is referred to as the “multi-reversal orbit”. It is symmetrical with respect to the plane which contains the Sun-perihelion line. This property benefits the calculations and reduces the simulation effort. In order to find the minimum periodic orbits, a time optimal control model is constructed and solved by using an indirect method. Two typical 3D multi-reversal orbits are obtained with different orbital constraints. Some orbital characteristic, like quasi-heliostationary condition near its two aphelion points, are demonstrated via numerical simulations. A comparison between these two typical orbits is conducted to show more details about this new orbit. Differences between the multi-reversal orbit and double-reversal orbit are presented to show the advantages of the multi-reversal concept.
ISSN:0021-9142
2195-0571
DOI:10.1007/s40295-015-0056-y