Abstract In this paper a new family of three dimensional (3D) non-Keplerian orbits is produced by using ideally reflective solar sailing. A sailcraft departs from the Earth orbit to accomplish a novel periodic orbit with orbital angular momentum reversing four times over one period. Such a new kind of orbit is referred to as the “multi-reversal orbit”. It is symmetrical with respect to the plane which contains the Sun-perihelion line. This property benefits the calculations and reduces the simulation effort. In order to find the minimum periodic orbits, a time optimal control model is constructed and solved by using an indirect method. Two typical 3D multi-reversal orbits are obtained with different orbital constraints. Some orbital characteristic, like quasi-heliostationary condition near its two aphelion points, are demonstrated via numerical simulations. A comparison between these two typical orbits is conducted to show more details about this new orbit. Differences between the multi-reversal orbit and double-reversal orbit are presented to show the advantages of the multi-reversal concept.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Three-dimensional time Optimal Multi-reversal Orbit by Using Solar Sailing


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2013-12-01


    Size :

    18 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Three-dimensional time Optimal Multi-reversal Orbit by Using Solar Sailing

    Zeng, Xiangyuan / Alfriend, Kyle T. / Vadali, S. R. | Online Contents | 2013


    Three-Dimensional Time Optimal Multi-Reversal Orbit By Using High Performance Solar Sails (AAS 12-618)

    Zeng, X. / Alfriend, K.T. / Vadali, S.R. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2013



    Orbit-State Model Selection for Solar-Sailing Mission Optimization

    Mooij, E. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; American Astronautical Society | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2012


    Solar Sailing

    L. Johnson / E. E. Montgomery / R. Young et al. | NTIS | 2008