In this paper we analyze the dynamics of a spacecraft in proximity of Phobos by developing the equations of motion of a test mass in the Phobos rotating frame using a model based on circularly-restricted three body problem, and by analyzing the dynamics of a ATHLETE hopper vehicle interacting with the soil under different soil-interaction conditions. The main conclusion of the numerical studies is that the system response is dominated by the stiffness and damping parameters of the leg springs, with the soil characteristics having a much smaller effect. The system simulations identify ranges of parameters for which the vehicle emerges stably (relying only on the passive viscoelastic damper at each leg) or unstably (needing active attitude control) from the hop. The implication is that further experimental and possibly computational modeling work, as well as site characterization (from precursor missions) will be necessary to obtain validated performance models.
Modeling and Simulation of Vehicle Dynamics on the Surface of Phobos
AIAA Space Conference and Exhibition ; 2015 ; Pasadena, CA, United States
2015-08-31
Conference paper
No indication
English
Modeling and Simulation of Vehicle Dynamics on the Surface Of Phobos (AIAA 2015-4632)
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2015
|Elsevier | 1992
|Dynamics in the Phobos environment
Elsevier | 2018
|TIB AV-Portal | 2011
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