Gravitational capture at saturn with low-thrust assistance

E. Fantino, J. Peláez, R. Flores, V. Raposo-Pulido

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Orbit insertion at Saturn requires a large manoeuver with chemical thrusters to compensate for the velocity difference between the spacecraft and the planet. The impact that this has on the propellant budget is severe. This paper discusses an alternative strategy: after a gravity assist with Jupiter, an electrical motor with an ad hoc thrusting law reshapes the orbit and minimizes the hyperbolic excess speed at Saturn, thus facilitating the capture. The control law algorithm, as well as the dynamical and technological aspects are presented and discussed.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationSpaceflight Mechanics 2019
EditorsFrancesco Topputo, Andrew J. Sinclair, Matthew P. Wilkins, Renato Zanetti
PublisherUnivelt Inc.
Pages2001-2014
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9780877036593
StatePublished - 2019
Event29th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, 2019 - Maui, United States
Duration: 13 Jan 201917 Jan 2019

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume168
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Conference

Conference29th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMaui
Period13/01/1917/01/19

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