On orbit control using gravity gradient effects

Possibility of orbit control using gravity gradient (GG) effects without any mass expulsion is discussed. For simplicity, a dumb-bell type satellite and circular orbits are mainly considered. It is shown that the GG effects can be applied to convert attitude torques into orbital torques and vice versa. In central gravitational force fields, maximum orbital torques or thrusts are available from the GG force when roll or pitch angle is $\text{±}\text{π}\text{4}$ provided that the attitude angle is null when the dumb-bell axis coincides with the local vertical. Such external torques as geomagnetic or solar wind pressure can be utilized to maintain the $\text{±}\text{π}\text{4}$ attitude, then the orbital torques are available forever. In non-central gravitational fields, without any external torque, the orbital radii of circular orbits can be increased by controlling the satellite attitude using electric energy. The use of the Earth's oblateness effects and the exterior Lunar potential is discussed.     

Two-craft tether formation relative equilibria about circular orbits and libration points

The relative equilibria of a two spacecraft tether formation connected by line-of-sight elastic forces moving in the context of a restricted two-body system and a circularly restricted three-body system are investigated. For a two spacecraft formation moving in a central gravitational field, a common assumption is that the center of the circular orbit is located at the primary mass and the center of mass of the formation orbits around the primary in a great-circle orbit. The relative equilibrium is called great-circle if the center of mass of the formation moves on the plane with the center of the gravitational field residing on it; otherwise, it is called a nongreat-circle orbit. Previous research shows that nongreat-circle equilibria in low Earth orbits exhibit a deflection of about a degree from the great-circle equilibria when spacecraft with unequal masses are separated by 350 km. This paper studies these equilibria (radial, along-track and orbit-normal in circular Earth orbit and Earth–Moon Libration points) for a range of inter-craft distances and semi-major axes of the formation center of mass. In the context of a two-spacecraft Coulomb formation with separation distances on the order of dozens of meters, this paper shows that the equilibria deflections are negligible (less than 10^?6°) even for very heterogeneous mass distributions. Furthermore, the nongreat-circle equilibria conditions for a two spacecraft tether structure at the Lagrangian libration points are developed.     

High-speed streams of the solar wind near the earths’s orbit and their sources on the sun according to stereoscopic observations in the minimum of the 23rd cycle

Based on the results of plasma and magnetic measurements at three different points of the heliosphere and telescopic observations of the Sun from these points we study simultaneously high-speed streams (HSS) of the solar wind (SW) near the Earths’s orbit and coronal holes (CH) that have generated them. The data from spacecraft STEREO-A, STEREO-B, ACE, and SOHO are used together with ground-based observations from March 2007 to May 2008. In this period there existed HSS whose sources represented CH of various polarity, geometry, and location relative to the heliographic and heliomagnetic equators. Dependence of SW parameters on mutual positions of spacecraft with respect to CH and heliospheric current sheet, and also on heliolatitude and geometry of the CH is revealed. A difference of more than 5° in locations of spacecraft with respect to the heliospheric current sheet in November 2007 allowed us to discover a heliolatitude velocity gradient of the SW streams between the STEREO-A and STEREO-B spacecraft. On the average this gradient at that time was equal to 20 km/s per degree. Substantial variations in SW streams associated with variations of the HSS SW sources during a few hours or days were also observed. This variability makes it difficult to use the data of spacecraft STEREO-B for sufficiently accurate prediction of SW properties in the near-Earth space by the method of simple advanced ti me shift due to heliolongitude difference between a spacecraft and the Earth even in solar activity minimum.     

Orbit design for the Spektr-R spacecraft of the ground-space interferometer

In order to carry out tasks of the RadioAstron mission, a high-apogee orbit was designed. On average, the period of its satellite’s orbit around the Earth is 8.5 days with evolution due to gravitational perturbations produced by the Moon and the Sun. The perigee and apogee of this orbit vary within the limits 7500–70000 km and 270000–333000 km, respectively. The basic evolution of the orbit represents a rotation of its plane around the line of apsides. Over 3 years, the plane normal to the orbit draws on the celestial sphere an oval with a semi-major axis of about 150° and semi-minor axis of about 45°.     

MESSENGER at Mercury: Early orbital operations

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, launched in August 2004 under NASA's Discovery Program, was inserted into orbit about the planet Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER's three flybys of Mercury in 2008–2009 marked the first spacecraft visits to the innermost planet since the Mariner 10 flybys in 1974–1975. The unprecedented orbital operations are yielding new insights into the nature and evolution of Mercury. The scientific questions that frame the MESSENGER mission led to the mission measurement objectives to be achieved by the seven payload instruments and the radio science experiment. Interweaving the full set of required orbital observations in a manner that maximizes the opportunity to satisfy all mission objectives and yet meet stringent spacecraft pointing and thermal constraints was a complex optimization problem that was solved with a software tool that simulates science observations and tracks progress toward meeting each objective. The final orbital observation plan, the outcome of that optimization process, meets all mission objectives. MESSENGER's Mercury Dual Imaging System is acquiring a global monochromatic image mosaic at better than 90% coverage and at least 250 m average resolution, a global color image mosaic at better than 90% coverage and at least 1 km average resolution, and global stereo imaging at better than 80% coverage and at least 250 m average resolution. Higher-resolution images are also being acquired of targeted areas. The elemental remote sensing instruments, including the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer and the X-Ray Spectrometer, are being operated nearly continuously and will establish the average surface abundances of most major elements. The Visible and Infrared Spectrograph channel of MESSENGER's Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer is acquiring a global map of spectral reflectance from 300 to 1450 nm wavelength at a range of incidence and emission angles. Targeted areas have been selected for spectral coverage into the ultraviolet with the Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS). MESSENGER's Mercury Laser Altimeter is acquiring topographic profiles when the slant range to Mercury's surface is less than 1800 km, encompassing latitudes from 20°S to the north pole. Topography over the remainder of the southern hemisphere will be derived from stereo imaging, radio occultations, and limb profiles. MESSENGER's radio science experiment is determining Mercury's gravity field from Doppler signals acquired during frequent downlinks. MESSENGER's Magnetometer is measuring the vector magnetic field both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar wind environment at an instrument sampling rate of up to 20 samples/s. The UVVS is determining the three-dimensional, time-dependent distribution of Mercury's exospheric neutral and ionic species via their emission lines. During each spacecraft orbit, the Energetic Particle Spectrometer measures energetic electrons and ions, and the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer measures the energies and mass per charge of thermal plasma components, both within Mercury's magnetosphere and in Mercury's solar-wind environment. The primary mission observation sequence will continue for one Earth year, until March 2012. An extended mission, currently under discussion with NASA, would add a second year of orbital observations targeting a set of focused follow-on questions that build on observations to date and take advantage of the more active Sun expected during 2012–2013. MESSENGER's total primary mission cost, projected at $446 M in real-year dollars, is comparable to that of Mariner 10 after adjustment for inflation.     

A small parameter method in problems of maneuvering space vehicles with aerodynamic efficiency

The motion of a satellite with aerodynamic efficiency along a low near-circular orbit is considered in the paper. The controls of bank angle γ and lift coefficient C_y are used as control functions. The introduction of a small parameter ($\text{? = (}\text{?}{}_0\text{· S · g}{}_0\text{2G}\text{)}$) makes it possible to integrate an adjoint system of equations and to obtain an approximate solution to the complete problem in the class of piecewise-constant control functions. Maximum values for the coordinates of heading angle η and lateral derivation from the plane of a reference orbit ?, which are connected with orbit plane angle by the relation cos i = cos ? · cos h, are used as criteria of maneuvering capability for a satellite with aerodynamic efficiency. Optimal programs for bank angle and incidence variation are derived and the influence of lift-to-drag ratio on the vehicle maneuvering capabilities has been estimated.It is shown that the process of the optimal motion is a special kind of gravitational skipping similar to the Keplerian motion but with continuous descent.     

LISA — a study of the ESA cornerstone mission for observing gravitational waves

The primary objective of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is to detect and observe gravitational waves from massive black holes and galactic binaries in the frequency range 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹ Hz. This low-frequency range is inaccessible to ground-based interferometers because of the unshieldable background of local gravitational noise and because ground-based interferometers are limited in length to a few km. LISA is an ESA cornerstone mission and recently had a system study (Ref. 1) carried out by a consortium led by Astrium, which confirmed the basic configuration for the payload with only minor changes, and provided detailed concepts for the spacecraft and mission design. The study confirmed the need for a drag-free technology demonstration mission to develop the inertial sensors for LISA, before embarking on the build of the flight sensors. With a technology demonstration flight in 2005, it would be possible to carry out LISA as a joint ESA-NASA mission with a launch by 2010 subject to the funding programmatics. The baseline for LISA is three disc-like spacecraft each of which consist of a science module which carries the laser interferometer payload (two in each science module) and a propulsion module containing an ion drive and the hydrazine thrusters of the AOCS. The propulsion module is used for the transfer from earth escape trajectory provided by the Delta II launch to the operational orbit. Once there the propulsion module is jettisoned to reduce disturbances on the payload. Detailed analysis of thermal and gravitational disturbances, a model of the drag-free control and of the interferometer operation confirm that the strain sensitivity of the interferometer will be achieved.     

月面巡视探测器地面试验方法与技术综述

“嫦娥三号”任务的圆满完成标志着我国已经突破了软着陆、巡视勘察、月夜生存等一系列深空探测关键技术。由于任务目标以及月面环境的复杂性,对巡视器的地面试验验证工作提出了很高的要求。在研制过程中,不但开展了常规航天器必做的试验项目,还开展了大量的专项试验,充分的地面试验对确保任务的成功发挥了重要作用。文章对“嫦娥三号”巡视器的地面验证需求、验证试验要求、验证试验实施情况进行了分析和总结,主要包括低重力模拟、月表地形地貌模拟、工程模拟月壤的制备与整备、光照环境模拟、月尘模拟等方面,对深空探测器试验方法与技术的发展方向提出了建议。     

面向木星卫星交会任务的探测器飞行路径规划

针对探测器在木星系统内多次借力的飞行路径和轨道优化设计问题,提出了一种基于三层优化思想的飞行路径规划方法,该方法可根据给定的任务约束和交会目标,自动搜索探测器在木星系统内的借力飞行序列,同时完成标称飞行轨道的优化设计。首先,文章在给定轨道动力学模型和木卫借力模型基础上,建立了面向木卫交会任务的两次借力飞行轨道优化设计模型和求解方法;然后,采用结合遗传算法、全局遍历和贪婪算法的三层优化设计思路,给出了一种环木飞行路径规划方法;最后,以木星四颗卫星的交会任务为例进行了仿真分析。仿真结果表明：针对木卫的交会任务,探测器速度增量需求随木卫借力次数的增多,呈现先显著减小后逐渐增大的现象;探测器采用多次木卫借力的策略,可显著降低探测器的速度增量需求;探测器速度增量达到最优之后,借力目标收敛于交会目标,且速度增量随借力次数的进一步增多而逐渐增大。     

Results of measurements with the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer onboard Mars Express: Clouds and dust at the end of southern summer. A comparison with OMEGA images

We discuss the results of measurements made with the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS) onboard the Mars Express spacecraft. The data were obtained in the beginning of the mission and correspond to the end of summer in the southern hemisphere of Mars (L _s ～ 340°). Three orbits are considered, two of which passed through volcanoes Olympus and Ascraeus Mons (the height above the surface is about +20 km), while the third orbit intersects lowland Hellas (?7 km). The influence of the relief on the properties of the aerosol observed is demonstrated: clouds of water ice with a visual optical thickness of 0.1–0.5 were observed above volcanoes, while only dust was found during the observations (close in time) along the orbit passing through Hellas in low and middle latitudes. This dust is homogeneously mixed with gas and has a reduced optical thickness of 0.25±0.05 (at v = 1100 cm^?1). In addition to orographic clouds, ice clouds were observed in this season in the northern polar region. The clouds seen in the images obtained simultaneously by the mapping spectrometer OMEGA confirm the PFS results. Temperature inversion is discovered in the north polar hood below the level 1 mbar with a temperature maximum at about 0.6 mbar. This inversion is associated with descending movements in the Hadley cell.     

The use of the Earth’s gravitational potential for interplanetary flights

An efficient scheme of the use of the Earth’s gravity in interplanetary flights is suggested, which opens up new opportunities for exploration of the solar system. The scheme of the gravitational maneuver allows one to considerably reduce the spacecraft mass consumption for a flight and the time of flight. An algorithm of the gravitational maneuver is suggested that takes into account the restriction on the altitude of a planet flyby. Estimates are made of transport capabilities for delivery of a spacecraft to the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. The spacecraft is based on a middle-class carrier launcher of the Soyuz type and includes chemical and electric plasma jet engines of the SPD-140 type, which use solar energy.     

Results of the early orbit manoeuvres of the ampte-uks

The Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) program consists of three satellites which were launched on 16th August 1984. The scientific aim of the mission is to inject lithium and barium tracer ions inside and outside the Earth's magnetosphere and to detect and monitor these ions as they diffuse through the inner magnetosphere. The first of these three satellites, the U.S. Charge Composition Explorer (CCE) was launched into an elliptical orbit of apogee 8 R_e. The other two satellites are the West German Ion Release Module (IRM) and the U.K. Subsatellite (UKS), both of which were launched on the same vehicle into a highly elliptical orbit of apogee 18 R_e. At discreet intervals during the mission the IRM will release ions into the solar wind, and the movement of these ions will be monitored by the UKS. Depending on the particular scientific requirement, the UKS has to be positioned accurately at a given distance behind the IRM. Initially the UKS has to be located 100 km behind the IRM, and held there for ～9 months. It will then be moved a distance of ～1 R_e behind the IRM. In order to manoeuvre the UKS around its orbit, a cold gas jet system is incorporated on the satellite, allowing impulses to be applied both along and perpendicular to the orbit velocity vector. The orbit control system also has to cater for relative orbit changes due to air drag at perigee, as the IRM and the UKS have different $\text{area}\text{mass}$ ratios. This paper presents an account of the orbit control system implemented on the UKS, together with the mathematical approach adopted, and results from manoeuvres made in the first weeks of the mission.     

Modelling and simulation of the space mission MICROSCOPE

MICROSCOPE is a French space mission for testing the weak equivalence principle (WEP). The mission goal is the determination of the Eötvös parameter $\eta$ with an accuracy of 10^?15. The French space agency CNES is responsible for the satellite which is developed and produced within the Myriade series. The satellite's payload T-SAGE (Twin Space Accelerometer for Gravitation Experimentation) is developed and built by the French institute ONERA. It consists of two high-precision capacitive differential accelerometers. One accelerometer is used as reference sensor with two test masses of platinum, the science sensor contains a platinum and a titanium proof mass. The detection of the test mass movement and their control is done via a complex electrode system. As a member of the MICROSCOPE performance team, the German department ZARM will be involved in the data analysis of the MICROSCOPE mission. For this purpose, mission simulations and the preparation of the mission data evaluation in close cooperation with the French partners CNES, ONERA and OCA are realised. The development status of the simulation tool which will represent the complex spacecraft dynamics and all error sources in order to design and test data reduction procedures is presented and some features are discussed in detail.     

A practical approach to the disposal of highly toxic and long-lived spent nuclear fuel waste between Venus and Earth

Extraterrestrial disposal, while not the only alternative (there is at least one very safe terrestrial method), nevertheless assures definite and irreversible removal of the most toxic and long-lived waste from the biosphere. In the foreseeable future, there is far less need to retrieve nuclear waste for later use then to dispose of it in a publicly acceptable manner, beginning in the near future (middle 1980s). It is, therefore, more important to assure safety in the weakest link of this disposal process—transportation into near-Earth orbit—than to engage in a retrievable disposal beyond Earth. The disposal “site” should lie at minimum safe transfer energy level. Primary candidate is the space between Venus and Earth. The number of propulsion phases should be a minimum, preferably only one (out of near-Earth orbit). Lunar gravity assist can be helpful to achieve higher inclination of the heliocentric orbit relative to the ecliptic.Solidified spent fuel isotopes and actinides, sufficient to reduce the residual terrestrial waste to the radiation level of natural uranium deposits after 30–40 yr instead of 1000–1500 yr, is deposited into heliocentric orbits. Transportation systems, requirements, costs and the associated socio-economic benefit potentials of an environmentally more benign and a more vigorous nuclear power generation program are presented.Prior to solidification, an interim storage of 10 yr, following removal from the reactor, may be required. The Shuttle, with one Orbiter modified as Nuclear Waste Carrying Orbiter (NWCO) and an out of near-Earth orbit booster, provides a safe and economic transportation system at (1979$) disposal mission costs from surface to disposal orbit of less than $\text{0.5¢/}\text{kWhe or}\text{? 0.1¢/}\text{kWhe}$ (some 70% of overall exo-disposal cost), depending on level of orbital operations (this at basic Shuttle flight cost of $30M). The orbital operations mode can be selected according to lead time and costs, and can be advanced sequentially, lowering disposal costs while at the same time financing the development of orbital operations techniques needed also for other and larger-scale exo-industrial activities. An average of 10–15 disposal missions of the NWCO is required annually, at the given conditions, to service the spent fuel of 173 reactors 1978 in operation in W. Europe, Japan and North America.