Abstract This paper presents an analytical approach for quantifying the effects of spacecraft attitudes on the translational dynamics via the orbit-attitude coupling effect. First, an accurate model of the gravitational field that uses the polyhedron model for the main gravitational term, and the point-mass model for the coupling terms is presented. This allows to capture higher order coupling terms in the force and torque expressions with high resolution, accounting for the orbit-attitude coupling in the rigid body spacecraft dynamics. Next, the achievable set of values for the second order gravitational force due to coupling is analytically obtained for a single point-mass located at the asteroid center of mass. Following this, spacecraft attitudes that produce a coupled second order force in a specific direction are obtained. The equations of motion for a rigid body orbiter are then presented, and numerical propagations of the spacecraft dynamics are performed in close proximity to four different asteroids (216 Kleopatra, 433 Eros, 4769 Castalia, and 101955 Bennu), showing how different spacecraft attitudes impact the orbital dynamics for different scenarios. A numerical generalization is performed for a multiple point-mass case. It is concluded that the coupled force can be effectively controlled via the spacecraft attitude, and that this force can be used to control the orbital motion via attitude actuation on certain scenarios. Guidelines on how to minimize the impact of the orbit-attitude coupling effect are also provided.
Highlights The attitude of a spacecraft has a significant impact on the trajectory close to asteroids. Attitude effects on orbital dynamics can be quantified for a single point-mass. Spacecraft attitude can be used to control translational motion in certain cases. Specific spacecraft orientations minimize impact of orbit-attitude coupling.
Quantification of attitude effects on orbital dynamics near asteroids
Acta Astronautica ; 167 ; 467-482
2019-10-24
16 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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