In this paper, a preliminary ballistic analysis for an Earth magnetosphere monitoring mission is conducted. Spacecraft mass and propulsion system characteristics are specified to satisfy current technological requirements. Low Earth, Sun-synchronous, and geosynchronous transfer orbits are considered as initial orbits. The target orbits are specified in accordance with scientific tasks. The fuel cost and transfer duration are estimated by two methods: an upper bound from the Lyapunov control method and a lower bound from energy-optimal control problem solution. The relationship between optimal longitudes of the ascending nodes for initial and target orbits is examined. The fuel cost estimates validate the feasibility of the mission based on small spacecraft and on the market low-thrust electric engines.


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    Title :

    Ballistic Analysis of a Small Spacecraft Mission for Studying the Earth’s Magnetosphere


    Additional title:

    Cosmic Res


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Cosmic Research ; 62 , 6 ; 632-642


    Publication date :

    2024-12-01


    Size :

    11 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Mission to Planet Earth's New Small Spacecraft Initiatives

    Luther, M. R. / International Academy of Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996



    Spacecraft design considerations for an Inner Magnetosphere Imager mission

    Herrmann, Melody C. / Johnson, Charles L. | NTRS | 1992


    Discovering the Earth's magnetosphere

    Axford, W.I. | Elsevier | 1982