A set of tools have 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 has focussed on the LPF mission potentially extended from its initial LPO to achieve multiple SP 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