This paper proposes the use of highly non-Keplerian trajectories enabled by solar radiation pressure and devices with variable area or reflectivity to map and characterize small asteroids. Strategies alternative to hovering involving a combination of retrograde and prograde orbits, together with inversions of the orbit direction by either maneuvers or exploiting the natural dynamics, are presented and analyzed. As opposed to terminator orbits, this alternating orbiter strategy allows direct overflies of the subsolar point and other equatorial regions. A simple cost comparison demonstrates a significant improvement with respect to traditional hovering strategies. Additional orbits of interest for hopper spacecraft are also discussed. Finally, various possible implementations of variable-area spacecraft that could provide the required solar radiation pressure control are suggested and discussed.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Alternating Orbiter Strategy for Asteroid Exploration



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2014-11-18


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Alternating Orbiter Strategy for Asteroid Exploration

    Daniel García Yárnoz | Online Contents | 2015


    Europa Orbiter exploration strategy

    Johnson, T. V. | NTRS | 2001


    Elemental Mapping of Asteroid 1989ML from MUSES-C Orbiter

    Okada, T. / Kato, M. / Shirai, K. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002



    Europa Orbiter Exploration Strategies

    Johnson, T. V. | NTRS | 2001