Abstract Using a thruster similar to Deep Space 1’s NSTAR, pole-sitting low-thrust trajectories are discovered in the vicinity of the L1 and L2 libration points. The trajectories are computed with a seventh-degree Gauss-Lobatto collocation scheme that automatically positions thrusting and coasting arcs, and aligns the thruster as necessary to satisfy the problem constraints. The trajectories appear to lie on slightly deformed surfaces corresponding to the L1 and L2 halo orbit families. A collocation scheme is also developed that first incorporates spiraling out from low-Earth orbit, and finally spiraling down to a stable lunar orbit for continued uncontrolled surveillance of the lunar south pole. Using direct transcription via collocation, the pole-sitting coverage time is maximized to 554.18 days, and the minimum elevation angle associated with the optimal trajectory is 13.0°.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Design of Optimal Low-Thrust Lunar Pole-Sitter Missions


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2011




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    Local classification TIB:    770/7040
    BKL:    55.60 Raumfahrttechnik



    Design of Optimal Low-Thrust Lunar Pole-Sitter Missions

    Grebow, Daniel J | Online Contents | 2011


    Design of Optimal Low-Thrust Lunar Pole-Sitter Missions

    Grebow, Daniel J. / Ozimek, Martin T. / Howell, Kathleen C. | Springer Verlag | 2011


    Design of Optimal Low-Thrust Lunar Pole-Sitter Missions (AAS 09-148)

    Grebow, D.J. / Ozimek, M.T. / Howell, K.C. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009



    Optimal Trajectories for Planetary Pole-Sitter Missions

    Walmsley, Mike | Online Contents | 2016