LOW-THRUST REACHABILITY ANALYSIS BY ANALYTICAL MEANS
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Authors
Gregorio, Daniel A.
Subjects
cislunar
cislunar
orbit determination
space domain awareness
trajectory optimization
low thrust
continuous thrust
cislunar
orbit determination
space domain awareness
trajectory optimization
low thrust
continuous thrust
Advisors
Thomason, Gary
Hudson, Jennifer
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis presents a novel algorithm supporting orbit determination of noncooperative, low-thrust maneuvering spacecraft. The algorithm, as a generic procedure, guides an analyst through a defined process and returns data to enable further analytic understanding. The algorithm consists of a basic guidance scheme for maneuvering the spacecraft from one orbit to another and estimates the likely costs in terms of time or Δ𝑉. Pontryagin’s maximum principle is employed to test optimality and Gauss’s variational equations of motion are employed in a restricted two-body dynamics model. This work examines methods to extend the applicability of historical efforts through the use of scaling factors to reduce error across the sample space. A novel approximation approach is developed to universalize computational strategies for estimating the costs of changing the semimajor axis of a satellite. As a result, this procedure can be implemented through any available programming language and does not require the use of advanced mathematical libraries, maximizing interoperability with existing mission-management tools and processes. As an example, this algorithmic process can be used to support a reachability assessment of a noncooperative spacecraft in cislunar space.
Type
Thesis
Description
Includes Supplementary Material
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.