A novel methodology for a combined systems–trajectory optimization for a geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) platform is proposed to obtain comprehensive design solutions. A combined chemical–electric propulsion system is used to execute hybrid high-thrust/low-thrust trajectory transfer to GEO, thereby balancing the overall system mass and transfer time. A systematic and payload-centric mission design provides a new set of design options to deliver tailored solutions to customized payloads. The hybrid trajectory characterization and spacecraft systems design find the required platform launch mass to deliver a GEO platform with a defined final mass and operational power. Elements of the system design are combined with those of multispiral low-thrust trajectory optimization as well as radiation absorption and solar array degradation to provide a comprehensive design solution. The result is a wide set of solutions to reach GEO, where fully chemical and fully electric transfers represent the boundaries of the hybrid transfer trade space. A payload throughput power of 20 kW entails a spacecraft mass in GEO between 4000 and 4550 kg, an initial thrust-to-mass ratio range of , and a cover-glass thickness between 4 and 24 mils to guarantee a minimum end-of-life/beginning-of-life power ratio of 85%. In addition, all-electric solutions from different injection orbits yield transfers to GEO with a time of flight of 60–150 days and an initial mass for the platform of 4400–5500 kg.
Combined System–Trajectory Design for Geostationary Orbit Platforms on Hybrid Transfer
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 59 , 2 ; 448-466
2021-10-11
19 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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