Optimal Planetary Orbital Transfers via Chemical Engines and Electrical Engines |
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Authors: | A Miele T Wang |
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Institution: | (1) Aero-Astronautics Group, Rice University, Houston, Texas |
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Abstract: | Because the orbital periods for planetary orbital transfers are of order hour, the primary objective of an optimal trajectory
is to minimize the propellant consumption. In this paper, we present a systematic investigation of optimal trajectories for
planetary orbital transfer. Major results on thrust control, propellant consumption, and flight time are presented with particular
reference to LEO-to-GEO transfer. The following results were obtained with the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm in
either single-subarc form or multiple-subarc form:
(i) |
For minimum propellant consumption, the thrust direction is tangent to the flight path. The thrust magnitude has a three-subarc
form: powered flight with maximum thrust is followed by coasting flight, which is followed by powered flight with maximum
thrust.
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(ii) |
The flight time is determined mainly by the thrust-to-weight ratio. A transfer via chemical engines is relatively short: usually,
it requires less than one cycle to achieve the mission, which involves a large portion of coasting flight. A transfer via
electrical engines is relatively long: usually, it requires a multicycle spiral trajectory to achieve the mission, which involves
a large portion of powered flight, mostly in the first subarc.
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(iii) |
The propellant consumption is determined mainly by the specific impulse: the electrical engine is more efficient than the
chemical engine, resulting in lower propellant consumption and higher payload.
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portions of this paper were presented by the senior author at the 14th annual aas/ aiaa space flight mechanics meeting, maui,
hawaii, 8–12 february 2004 (paper aas-04-232).
This research was supported by NSF Grant CMS-02-18878. |
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Keywords: | |
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