This paper presents the new developments and the validation of the software suite SATSLab (Spacecraft Attitude, Trajectory and Subsystems Laboratory); a low-thrust space mission simulator developed as a collaboration between Alta SpA and the University of Pisa [1]. SATSLab is a fundamental tool for mission analysis and spacecraft subsystem sizing for missions where the usage of electric propulsion systems is envisaged. SATSLab allows for an accurate assessment of orbital trajectory and spacecraft subsystems energy status, fundamental aspects to take into account in the design of missions with small satellites and limited onboard resources. SATSLab has been recently fitted with new functionalities specially aimed at easing the design of advanced Earth observation missions. A new module for ground station visibility and for the computation of link budgets has been integrated. The NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric model has been added for an accurate atmospheric drag computation. SATSLab has been validated by several numeric applications and semi-analytic comparisons. In the paper, a representative Earth-observation mission scenario is presented; highlighting the simulator capability to reveal the non-trivial features of the energy-trajectory interplay.
Validation of a Low-Thrust Spacecraft Simulator for Earth Observation Missions
MARCUCCIO, SALVO
2015-01-01
Abstract
This paper presents the new developments and the validation of the software suite SATSLab (Spacecraft Attitude, Trajectory and Subsystems Laboratory); a low-thrust space mission simulator developed as a collaboration between Alta SpA and the University of Pisa [1]. SATSLab is a fundamental tool for mission analysis and spacecraft subsystem sizing for missions where the usage of electric propulsion systems is envisaged. SATSLab allows for an accurate assessment of orbital trajectory and spacecraft subsystems energy status, fundamental aspects to take into account in the design of missions with small satellites and limited onboard resources. SATSLab has been recently fitted with new functionalities specially aimed at easing the design of advanced Earth observation missions. A new module for ground station visibility and for the computation of link budgets has been integrated. The NRLMSISE-00 atmospheric model has been added for an accurate atmospheric drag computation. SATSLab has been validated by several numeric applications and semi-analytic comparisons. In the paper, a representative Earth-observation mission scenario is presented; highlighting the simulator capability to reveal the non-trivial features of the energy-trajectory interplay.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
