Thanks to rapid advancement in electronics miniaturization, small satellites are able to perform science tasks that have been previously impossible without the use of large satellites, at a fraction of the size, mass, power consumption, and thereby, the cost. Furthermore, the fundamental capabilities exist for multiple satellites to cooperate and work together to achieve much larger and complex science goals. The space community is racing to make use of this technology for Earth observation, astrophysics missions and interplanetary exploration missions.
Whether the mission is a multi-satellite LIDAR sweep, a magnetometer sweep, or a gravitometer sweep, all low orbit missions around the moon and other bodies will require orbit design at some point. Due to the gravitational anomalies present in the moon, using the latest gravity models to calculate the stationkeeping required for the mission is critical. In this paper, we make use of automation of an orbit design software, such as AGI’s STK to develop a tool to perform the orbit design for high-risk, high-reward low orbit lunar missions. While STK does have a user- friendly graphical interface, this is not the most effective method for applications where the user wants to test multiple orbit configurations. In such instances, it is advantageous to utilize STK’s ability to interface with various code languages to automate tasks. STK’s programming interface allows for any tasks to be performed iteratively without the need for manual input. This allows for quicker use of the application, and more effective use of time by the user.
Using this tool, we arrive at relations between various parameters in orbit design such as eccentricity, inclination, Semi-Major Axis (SMA) and mass of the spacecraft to stationkeeping delta-v required to maintain a stable orbit around the moon for a given mission lifetime. These relations obtained using such a tool will streamline the orbit design and selection process for future lunar small satellite missions.
MODELLING GRAVITATIONAL ANOMALIES FOR LOW ALTITUDE SMALL SPACECRAFT SCIENCE MISSIONS
Proceedings of the 44th Annual American Astronautical Society Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, 2022 ; Chapter : 102 ; 1807-1820
2024-01-01
14 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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