A magnetic sail is an advanced propellantless propulsion system that uses the interaction between the solar wind and an artificial magnetic field generated by the spacecraft, to produce a propulsive thrust in interplanetary space. The aim of this paper is to collect the available experimental data, and the simulation results, to develop a simplified mathematical model that describes the propulsive acceleration of a magnetic sail, in an analytical form, for mission analysis purposes. Such a mathematical model is then used for estimating the performance of a magnetic sail-based spacecraft in a two-dimensional, minimum time, deep space mission scenario. In particular, optimal and locally optimal steering laws are derived using an indirect approach. The obtained results are then applied to a mission analysis involving both an optimal Earth-Venus (circle-to-circle) interplanetary transfer, and a locally optimal Solar System escape trajectory. For example, assuming a characteristic acceleration of 1 mm/s(2), an optimal Earth-Venus transfer may be completed within about 380 days.
Autori interni: | QUARTA, ALESSANDRO ANTONIO (Primo) MENGALI, GIOVANNI (Secondo) ALIASI, GENEROSO (Ultimo) |
Autori: | Quarta, ALESSANDRO ANTONIO; Mengali, Giovanni; Aliasi, Generoso |
Titolo: | Optimal Control Laws for Heliocentric Transfers with a Magnetic Sail |
Anno del prodotto: | 2013 |
Abstract: | A magnetic sail is an advanced propellantless propulsion system that uses the interaction between the solar wind and an artificial magnetic field generated by the spacecraft, to produce a propulsive thrust in interplanetary space. The aim of this paper is to collect the available experimental data, and the simulation results, to develop a simplified mathematical model that describes the propulsive acceleration of a magnetic sail, in an analytical form, for mission analysis purposes. Such a mathematical model is then used for estimating the performance of a magnetic sail-based spacecraft in a two-dimensional, minimum time, deep space mission scenario. In particular, optimal and locally optimal steering laws are derived using an indirect approach. The obtained results are then applied to a mission analysis involving both an optimal Earth-Venus (circle-to-circle) interplanetary transfer, and a locally optimal Solar System escape trajectory. For example, assuming a characteristic acceleration of 1 mm/s(2), an optimal Earth-Venus transfer may be completed within about 380 days. |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | 10.1016/j.actaastro.2013.04.018 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.1 Articolo in rivista |