A highly specialized simulator for the calculation of orbit and attitude dynamics of drag-free target missions is enhanced and generalized to be utilized as a multi-purpose tool for a wide range of scientific satellite missions. Enhancements include the development of new features and updates to the multi-body dynamics core as well as selected environmental models. New software modules in particular in the field of environmental modeling are added to the newly established simulation library. The library is built in a modular way to allow for straightforward application and further development. For validation purpose, post-mission analysis of the science mission Gravity Probe B is carried out. Gravity Probe B is a satellite mission designed to measure two effects predicted by the general theory of relativity. In the polar orbit of Gravity Probe B, the major disturbances apart from those caused by gravity are due to atmosphere and solar radiation. In order to achieve an environment freed of external disturbances, drag-free technology is utilized, thereby enabling the detection of the very small relativistic effects. In belonging to the class of one of the simulator's target applications, and with science data available, Gravity Probe B is highly suitable for simulator validation. The verification with science data represents the ultimate test towards simulator reliability and accuracy. Beforehand, a large set of stand-alone tests is carried out for the single simulator modules that are used to build the end-to-end mission simulator for Gravity Probe B. In the development of the mission simulator, a major focus is also laid on preprocessing tasks to build an accurate geometrical model of the satellite. The structural model is used for the estimation of surface forces and torques that depend on the spacecraft geometry. With the end-to-end simulator, which serves as test model for the verification of the multi-body dynamics, also parameter studies are carried out that test the applicability of current commonly used environmental models. The application to Gravity Probe B not only leads to a thorough validation of the simulator dynamics, it also triggers several further enhancements and improvements in establishing suitable generic modules and preprocessing tools for example for comprehensive environmental modeling. Finally, the end-to-end mission simulator may serve as platform for future challenging science missions incorporating drag-free technology.


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    Titel :

    High performance simulation of attitude and translation dynamics: application and verification with gravity Probe B


    Beteiligte:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2013


    Format / Umfang :

    195 Seiten, Bilder, Tabellen, 68 Quellen



    Medientyp :

    Hochschulschrift


    Format :

    Print


    Sprache :

    Englisch