Feasibility of ultra low thrust transfers in L1, L2, Sun, Earth & Moon Systems
Programme
                            Discovery
            Programme Reference
                            15/723-a
            Contractor
                            Airbus Defence & Space
            Start Date
                            End Date
                            Status
                            Closed
            Country
                            France
             
          Description
                            A set of tools has been developed to enable assessment of the feasibility of ultra-low thrust transfers in regions of multi-body gravity field influence. Aspects include:
- Trajectory design/optimisation
- Error analysis and stochastic manoeuvre budgets
Navigation analyses have been performed to understand the solution sensitivity to key input assumptions. A case study was performed to understand the performance that could be achieved. The case study focused on the Lisa Pathfinder mission potentially extended from its initial LPO to achieve multiple Sadle Point crossings.
Key issues to be addressed were:
- Developing transfers with low deterministic DeltaV
- Developing transfers with low stochastic DeltaV
- Establishing the feasibility of performing corrections when flybys and/or lower pericentres are present.
- Obtaining sufficient accuracy in the critical mission pahses: Saddle Point crossings for LPF
Technology Domain
                            19 - Propulsion
            Competence Domain
                            7-Propulsion, Space Transportation and Re-entry Vehicles
            Keywords
                            Propulsion
                              Mission Design
                              Trajectory
                              Navigation
            Executive summary
                            
            