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This study addresses the problem of generating analytic approximations for spacecraft orbits in highly inhomogeneous gravitational fields. The project aims to develop an analytical tool that can be implemented algorithmically in standard symbolic software tools, such as Mathematica, or specialised algebraic tools, such as Piranha. The aim is to develop a general perturbative theory implementable in technical software that can rapidly generate orbits in highly inhomogeneous gravitational fields, for example, frozen orbits around asteroids for mission analysis.
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
The Light Touch2 concept proposes the use of laser ablation to change the orbital velocity of a 4m, 130 ton, asteroid by 1m/s in less than 3 years A laser beam is used to sublimate part of the asteroid material and generate a low and continuous thrust. This study demonstrates how to implement this concept on a medium class interplanetary spacecraft, here called AdAM (Asteroid Ablation Mission).
Methodology
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE