Resonant motion, ballistic escape, and their applications in astrodynamics

A special set of solutions governing the motion of a particle, subject to the gravitational attractions of the Earth, the Moon, and, eventually, the Sun, is discussed in this paper. These solutions, called resonant orbits, correspond to a special motion where the particle is in resonance with the Moon. For a restricted set of initial conditions the particle performs a resonance transition in the vicinity of the Moon. In this paper, the nature of the resonance transition is investigated under the perspective of the dynamical system theory and the energy approach. In particular, using a new definition of weak stability boundary, we show that the resonance transition mechanism is strictly related to the concept of weak capture. This is shown through a carefully computed set of Poincaré surfaces, at different energy levels, on which both the weak stability boundary and the resonant orbits are represented. It is numerically demonstrated that resonance transitioning orbits pass through the weak stability boundaries. In the second part of the paper the solar perturbation is taken into account, and the motion of the resonant orbits is studied within a four-body dynamics. We show that, for a wide class of initial conditions, the particle escapes from the Earth–Moon system and targets an heliocentric orbit. This is a free ejection called a ballistic escape. Astrodynamical applications are discussed.     

Dynamics of a spacecraft and normalization around Lagrangian points in the Neptune–Triton system

The problem of a spacecraft orbiting the Neptune–Triton system is presented. The new ingredients in this restricted three body problem are the Neptune oblateness and the high inclined and retrograde motion of Triton. First we present some interesting simulations showing the role played by the oblateness on a Neptune’s satellite, disturbed by Triton. We also give an extensive numerical exploration in the case when the spacecraft orbits Triton, considering Sun, Neptune and its planetary oblateness as disturbers. In the plane a × I (a = semi-major axis, I = inclination), we give a plot of the stable regions where the massless body can survive for thousand of years. Retrograde and direct orbits were considered and as usual, the region of stability is much more significant for the case of direct orbit of the spacecraft (Triton’s orbit is retrograde). Next we explore the dynamics in a vicinity of the Lagrangian points. The Birkhoff normalization is constructed around L₂, followed by its reduction to the center manifold. In this reduced dynamics, a convenient Poincaré section shows the interplay of the Lyapunov and halo periodic orbits, Lissajous and quasi-halo tori as well as the stable and unstable manifolds of the planar Lyapunov orbit. To show the effect of the oblateness, the planar Lyapunov family emanating from the Lagrangian points and three-dimensional halo orbits are obtained by the numerical continuation method.     

考虑太阳摄动的小行星附近轨道动力学

本文研究了艳后星(216 Kleopatra)和爱神星(433 Eros)附近的周期轨道,在考虑太阳引力摄动的情况下,发现了以往所遗漏的216 Kleopatra轨道族和环绕433 Eros的12族周期轨道,并且给出了它们的特性。研究结果表明,太阳引力对小行星平衡点位置的影响很小,但是对平衡点上航天器运动的影响较大。同族不稳定轨道中,大Jacobi常数轨道更容易在摄动后保持轨道原来特性,这很好地解释了小行星卫星在较远轨道上长期存在的可能性。     

小天体环的轨道动力学

随着天文观测的深入,发现不仅土星、木星等气态巨行星环绕有光环,某些小天体也环绕有光环。针对目前发现环的半人马型小天体女凯龙星（10199 Chariklo）,研究其引力场中粒子（视为质点）的轨道动力学,分析赤道椭率和小天体自转对环中粒子轨道运动的影响,通过庞加莱截面中的KAM环迭代,得到第一类周期轨道和1∶3共振周期轨道,并通过对比和分析得到小天体光环位置与小天体自转平运动共振的关系。研究结果表明:女凯龙星内环中的粒子最可能处在满足径向振荡幅值范围的第一类周期轨道及其附近的准周期轨道上,但不能排除处在1∶3共振周期轨道及其附近的准周期轨道上;外环中的粒子不可能处在1∶3共振周期轨道上,只可能处在第一类周期轨道及其附近的准周期轨道上。      

基于准流形方法日地系L3点转移轨道设计

针对深空探测中轨道转移时间长且能量消耗较大的问题,提出基于准流形实现从地球停泊轨道到日地系L3点转移轨道的设计方法。在日地限制性三体问题模型下,在L1点或L2点Halo轨道上施加扰动推力,构造准流形,利用其非线性三体动力学特性,通过霍曼转移轨道与近地轨道进行拼接,使航天器进入准流形后能够无动力滑行到L3点附近区域。在准流形与L3点周期轨道交点,施加速度脉冲,使航天器进入相应周期轨道,从而完成轨道转移。仿真结果表明,利用该方法所得结果与基于不变流形的转移轨道相比,能将速度增量从4398m/s减少为4014m/s,并将转移时间从9年以上缩短到7.3年以内,有效地提高了航天器的工作效率。     

Hierarchical global search for fuel-optimal impulsive transfers between lunar libration orbits

The attention to the periodic orbit in the Earth-Moon restricted three-body system continues to grow due to its special environment and locations. This research investigates the feasibility of constructing fuel-optimal single and multiple impulse transfers between unstable periodic orbits at L₁ and L₂ points. Invariant manifolds, which could provide the appropriate initial trajectories for optimization, are analyzed deeply to enable previously unknown orbit options and potentially to reduce mission cost. A global search strategy based on comparing the orbital state of the unstable and stable manifolds, incorporated with low-thrust techniques, is performed to seek a suitable matching point for maneuver application. Then the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is adopted to further optimize the velocity increment and obtain the single/multiple impulse optimal transfers. The associated constraint gradients are derived to achieve higher accuracy and rapidity of the algorithm. To highlight the effectivity of the transfer scheme, three-dimensional low-energy transfers between different types and spatial regions of performing single and multiple impulses are explored. The total Delta-V required varies between a few meters per second and tens of meters per second, and the related flight time is about several weeks, mainly depending on the energy of periodic orbits and the invariant manifold structure. The results obtained in this paper can provide a useful reference for the selection of escape and capture site along the manifolds, maneuver magnitude and transfer time.     

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of a multi-link manipulator with flexible links-joints mounted on a mobile platform

The present work theoretically demonstrates the dynamic analysis of a planar multi-link manipulator considering flexible links and joints mounted on a moving base. A nonlinear model of a multi-manipulator (N-links) has been developed accounting for an equivalent bi-directional mobile base. The nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam and spring-inertia/mass system have been introduced to demonstrate the flexibilities of links and joints, respectively. Modal analysis followed by trajectory analysis has been performed to investigate the behaviors of manipulator taking into account of accurate boundary conditions. Further, vibration characteristics, steady-state responses, and their stability at resonant situations due to joint motions and inertial coupling have been studied. Results of exploiting geometric and inertial coupling due to flexible arms on stability analysis of steady-state responses have been investigated and have been subsequently verified with the findings by directly solving the governing equations. Steady-state response characteristics to explore the dynamics of the multi-link manipulators under resonant states have been studied with the varying actuator mass, the flexibility of links, lifted payload, and joint parameters. The results thus obtained, deliver a useful insight into the position analysis and long-term behavior of multi-link flexible manipulators under harmonic hub-joint motions that shall further enable its proper vibration attenuation and control.     

Periodic attitude motions along planar orbits in the elliptic restricted three-body problem

A way to improve the accuracy of the three-body problem model is taking into account the eccentricity of primary attractors. Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem (ER3BP) is a model for studying spacecraft trajectory within the three-body problem such that the orbital eccentricity of primaries is reflected in it. As the principal cause of perturbation in the employed dynamical model, the primaries eccentricity changes the structure of orbits compared to the ideal Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP). It also changes the attitude behavior of a spacecraft revolving along periodic orbits in this regime. In this paper, the coupled orbit-attitude dynamics of a spacecraft in the ER3BP are exploited to find precise periodic solutions as the spacecraft is considered to be in planar orbits around Lagrangian points and Distant Retrograde Orbits (DRO). Periodic solutions are repetitious behaviors in which spacecraft whole dynamics are repeated periodically, these periodic behaviors are the main interest of this study because they are beneficial for future mission designs and allow delineation of the system’s governing dynamics. Previous studies laid the foundation for spacecraft stability analysis or studying pitch motion of spacecraft in the ER3BP regime. While in this paper, at first, initial guesses for correction algorithms were derived through verified search methods, then correction algorithms were used to refine calculated orbit-attitude periodic behaviors. Periodic orbits and full periodic solutions are portrayed and compared to previous studies and simpler models. Natural periodic solutions are valuable information eventuate in the longer functional lifetime of spacecraft. Since the problem assumption considered in this paper is much closer to real mission conditions, these results may be the means to use natural bounded motions in the actual operational environment.     

Semi-analytical theory of mean orbital motion for geosynchronous space debris under gravitational influence

This paper provides a hamiltonian formulation of the equations of motion of an artificial satellite or space debris orbiting the geostationary ring. This theory of order 1 has been formulated using canonical and non-singular elements for eccentricity and inclination. The analysis is based on an expansion in powers of the eccentricity and of the inclination. The theory accounts for the influence of the Earth gravity field expanded in spherical harmonics, paying a particular attention to the resonance occurring for geosynchronous objects. The luni-solar perturbations are also taken into account. We present the resonant motion and its main characteristics: equilibria, stability, fundamental frequencies and width of the resonant area by comparison with a basic analytical model. Finally, we show some results concerning the long term dynamics of a typical space debris under the influence of the gravitational field of the Earth and the luni-solar interactions.     

太阳风质子束流的演化

太阳神飞船观测表明，太阳风高速流中质子束分量相对于核分量的密度随日心距离增加而增加．提出解释这一观测现象的机理并给出二维数值模拟结果．由于阿尔芬波速随日心距离增加而减少，第二支左旋波将与更多的质子共振，把部分原来属于核分布的质子拉到束分布中来．用数值模拟方程方法求解回旋波共振导致的准线性扩散方程，数值结果与观测结果相符合．     

Low-energy near Earth asteroid capture using Earth flybys and aerobraking

Since the Sun-Earth libration points L₁ and L₂ are regarded as ideal locations for space science missions and candidate gateways for future crewed interplanetary missions, capturing near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) around the Sun-Earth L₁/L₂ points has generated significant interest. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of coupling together a flyby of the Earth and then capturing small NEAs onto Sun–Earth L₁/L₂ periodic orbits. In this capture strategy, the Sun-Earth circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) is used to calculate target Lypaunov orbits and their invariant manifolds. A periapsis map is then employed to determine the required perigee of the Earth flyby. Moreover, depending on the perigee distance of the flyby, Earth flybys with and without aerobraking are investigated to design a transfer trajectory capturing a small NEA from its initial orbit to the stable manifolds associated with Sun-Earth L₁/L₂ periodic orbits. Finally, a global optimization is carried out, based on a detailed design procedure for NEA capture using an Earth flyby. Results show that the NEA capture strategies using an Earth flyby with and without aerobraking both have the potential to be of lower cost in terms of energy requirements than a direct NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby. Moreover, NEA capture with an Earth flyby also has the potential for a shorter flight time compared to the NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby.     

基于三体系统平动点轨道的环日全景任务轨道设计

在空间开展太阳观测是研究太阳活动周、太阳爆发、极端天气等事件起源的重要手段。环日全景探测计划是为实现从黄道面360°全方位观察太阳行星际空间而提出的。本文针对环日全景探测计划,构建了基于三体系统平动点低能量轨道的环日全景轨道部署方法。该方法以日–地L1/L2点Halo轨道幅值及Halo轨道离轨点为变量,以转移轨道飞行时间、入轨机动大小为评价指标,基于三体系统不变流形构建环日全景的转移轨道,并开展轨道优化设计。采用等高线图对设计变量及任务成本进行全局分析。仿真计算表明,轨道部署无法同时满足飞行时间最短与入轨机动最小的要求。设计了轨道机动约束条件下的最优飞行时间解,并给出了基于长三甲运载火箭的一箭双星发射及入轨方案。      

地月空间的远距离逆行轨道族及其分岔研究

地月系统中存在着一类绕月逆行、高度稳定的轨道族,称为远距离逆行轨道族(DRO)。以圆型限制性三体问题(CR3BP)为动力学模型研究了DRO轨道族周边的动力系统结构。利用Broucke稳定性图寻找分叉点,判断分叉类型,基于数值延拓计算分岔后产生的一系列新轨道分支。分叉类型主要有切分叉与多倍周期分叉(从3倍周期开始),轨道维度包含平面轨道族与三维轨道族。计算新轨道族的特征,包括形状、周期、能量、稳定性、双曲流形结构等。探讨周期轨道的轨道周期与能量的关系,以几何化的方式展现分叉结构、多周期轨道的双曲流形结构等。该动力结构将为基于DRO轨道族的地月空间任务提供重要的理论支持。      

Stability of relative equilibria of the full spacecraft dynamics around an asteroid with orbit–attitude coupling

The full dynamics of spacecraft around an asteroid, in which the spacecraft is considered as a rigid body and the gravitational orbit–attitude coupling is taken into account, is of great value and interest in the precise theories of the motion. The spectral stability of the classical relative equilibria of the full spacecraft dynamics around an asteroid is studied with the method of geometric mechanics. The stability conditions are given explicitly based on the characteristic equation of the linear system matrix. It is found that the linearized system decouples into two entirely independent subsystems, which correspond to the motions within and outside the equatorial plane of the asteroid respectively. The system parameters are divided into three groups that describe the traditional stationary orbit stability, the significance of the orbit–attitude coupling and the mass distribution of the spacecraft respectively. The spectral stability of the relative equilibria is investigated numerically with respect to the three groups of system parameters. The relations between the full spacecraft dynamics and the traditional spacecraft dynamics, as well as the effect of the orbit–attitude coupling, are assessed. We find that when the orbit–attitude coupling is strong, the mass distribution of the spacecraft dominates the stability of the relative equilibria; whereas when the orbit–attitude coupling is weak, both the mass distribution and the traditional stationary orbit stability have significant effects on the stability. We also give a criterion to determine whether the orbit–attitude coupling needs to be considered.     

椭圆三体问题中的时间周期不变流形

借助有限时间Lyapunov指数（FTLE）定义拉格朗日拟序结构（LCS）,并以单摆系统为例阐述LCS与动力系统中不变流形之间的联系.利用LCS研究椭圆限制性三体问题（ER3BP）中的时间周期不变流形的性质.采用数值方法验证得到了两点结论：时间周期不变流形的内部是穿越轨道集,外部是非穿越轨道集;时间周期不变流形是轨道的不变集.     

Phasing with near rectilinear Halo orbits: Design and comparison

In the next future, space agencies are planning to return to the Moon. The objective is to assemble an orbiting space station, called Gateway, on a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the Moon as a base for future Moon and deep space missions. Within this framework, multiple side missions will be planned to sustain the Gateway (Artemis mission). The proposed work is thought in framework of the preliminary design of future cargo missions, in particular on the design of an efficient phasing trajectory, under the Circular Restricted Three body problem hypotheses, to bring a cargo vehicle from the end of the Earth-Moon transfer to the beginning of the proximity operations such as rendezvous and docking with the space station. The work aims covering the lack of literature in phasing trajectories with the NRHO by proposing three different strategies to connect the Earth-Moon transfer trajectory with the proximity operations. The three strategies are classified based on the choice of the parking orbits or the choice of the manifolds. Two strategies use butterfly and Halo orbits to park the vehicle before transferring to the target orbit. The third strategy, instead, uses manifolds to allow a direct phasing. In the paper, the three innovative strategies are designed and compare in a specific scenario.     

太阳中纬度探测共振借力轨道设计

针对太阳中纬度探测任务,设计了共振借力轨道方案.根据离开超越速度的解析表达式得到借力后日心轨道的可行集并将结论推广到任意借力行星.进而提出RRpInc图形化设计方法,通过RRpInc图分析得到共振借力的超越速度大小直接决定了最终轨道倾角.以共振借力行星作为目标星体设计借力转移轨道,以逃逸速度和到达超速作为性能指标,采用多目标优化算法优化.给出了两个设计方案:方案1选择金星作为共振借力行星,探测器通过"金星-地球-地球"借力飞行增加金星共振借力前的超越速度;方案2选择地球为共振借力行星,探测器在木星借力后返回地球共振借力.两个方案最终轨道倾角分别约为30°和35°.     

扭转Alfvén波共振的数学描述

提出完备正交函数基(OFSE)展开方法,求解冕环中无耗散扭转Alfvn波。每个基函数对应冕环中每根磁力线的一个固有角频率ω_n,当冕环足点驱动频率等于磁力线的固有频率时,Alfvn波将在这根磁力线处发生共振。采用OFSE方法求解了双足点驱动时冕环Alfvn波的时变演化问题,给出了时变解析解的新形式,其中包含共振项,从共振项可以发现,在共振角频率为ω的共振磁力线附近,在时间t为π/ω的整数倍时,出现δ型间断;在t为π/(2ω)的奇数倍时,出现1/x间断。共振磁力线振幅随时间线性增加,增加的斜率正比于Alfvn波速,反比于冕环长度,与驱动频率无关。     

大气重力波与电子密度扰动的耦合

本文从相互耦合的大气流体方程和双流体等离子体方程出发, 导出了赤道F区大气重力波和电子密度扰动的耦合色散关系, 据此对两者的共振相互作用作了进一步的理论分析。结果表明, 大气重力波可以通过共振耦合将部分能量转换给带电粒子, 为赤道扩展F提供初始电子密度扰动;在这过程中, 等离子体不稳定性对共振条件和共振耦合有着重要的影响。