Time-optimal trajectories to circumsolar space using solar electric propulsion

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• 作者：Alessandro A. Quarta^a ; ^{a.quarta@ing.unipi.it} ; Dario Izzo^b ; ^{dario.izzo@esa.int} ; Massimiliano Vasile^c ; ^{massimiliano.vasile@strath.ac.uk}
• 关键词：Minimum time trajectories ; Solar electric propulsion ; Circumsolar space exploration
• 刊名：Advances in Space Research
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：1 February, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：51
• 期：3
• 页码：411-422
• 全文大小：1007 K

文摘

The aim of this paper is to explore the capabilities of a solar electric propelled spacecraft on a mission towards circumsolar space. Using an indirect approach, the paper investigates minimum time of transfer (direct) trajectories from an initial heliocentric parking orbit to a desired final heliocentric target orbit, with a low perihelion radius and a high orbital inclination. The simulation results are then collected into graphs and tables for a trade-off analysis of the main mission parameters. Finally, a comparison of the performance between a solar electric and a (photonic) solar sail based spacecraft is discussed.