Control of solar sail periodic orbits in the elliptic three-body problem

James D. Biggs; Colin R. McInnes; Thomas Waters

doi:10.2514/1.38362

Control of solar sail periodic orbits in the elliptic three-body problem

James D. Biggs, Colin R. McInnes, Thomas Waters

Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

59 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A solar sail essentially consists of a large mirror that uses the momentum change due to photons reflecting off the sail for its impulse. Solar sails are therefore unique spacecraft, as they do not require fuel for propulsion [1]. In this Note we consider using the solar sail to continuously maintain a periodic orbit above the ecliptic plane using variations in the sail's orientation. Positioning a spacecraft continuously above the ecliptic would allow continuous observation and communication with the poles.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	318-320
Number of pages	2
Journal	Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics
Volume	32
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.2514/1.38362
Publication status	Published - 1 Jan 2009

Keywords

solar sails
elliptic three-body problem
elliptic plane
space travel
space communications

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10.2514/1.38362

strathprints007431Accepted author manuscript, 478 KB

Dynamics, Stability and Control of Highly Non-Keplerian Orbits
McInnes, C. (Principal Investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/05 → 31/05/09
Project: Research

Cite this

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KW - elliptic three-body problem

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KW - space travel

KW - space communications

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Control of solar sail periodic orbits in the elliptic three-body problem

Abstract

Keywords

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Projects

Dynamics, Stability and Control of Highly Non-Keplerian Orbits

Cite this