Abstract This paper discusses the generation, stability, and control of artificial equilibrium points for a solar balloon spacecraft in the α Centauri A and B binary star system. The continuous propulsive acceleration provided by a solar balloon is shown to be able to modify the position of the (classical) Lagrangian equilibrium points of the three-body system on a locus whose geometrical form is known analytically. A linear stability analysis reveals that the new generated equilibrium points are usually unstable, but part of them can be stabilized with a simple feedback control logic.
Highlights A solar balloon may displace the equilibrium points of the α Centauri system. Two families of artificial equilibrium points may be generated. Most of the L 1-type points may be stabilized with a proportional-derivative control law. The requirements of a balloon spacecraft for a mission around an equilibrium point are estimated.
Artificial equilibrium points for a solar balloon in the α Centauri system
Acta Astronautica ; 104 , 2 ; 464-471
2014-03-08
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Artificial equilibrium points for a solar balloon in the α Centauri system
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