A parametric analysis of endoatmospheric low-Earth-orbit maintenance.
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Authors
Wilsey, Mark S.
Ross, I. Michael
Subjects
orbits
low-Earth orbiting
satellites
orbital maintenance
fuel optimization
low-Earth orbiting
satellites
orbital maintenance
fuel optimization
Advisors
Ross, I.M.
Date of Issue
1993-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
With the advent of long term low Earth-orbiting satellites
comes the requirement to maintain a specified orbital radial
band. Optimal control theory suggests that periodic thrusting
is more efficient than forced Keplerian motion in obital
maintenance through the use of Primer vectoring. This thesis
examined the efficiency of fixed-angle transverse thrusting as
an alternative to Primer vectoring. Numerical analysis shows
that a thrust angle of 65-70 degrees is feasible for radial
band control for a wide range of parameters. Fuel usage can
be minimized through the proper selection of radial bandwidth,
thruster size, and thrust angle. This thesis shov/s that
forced Keplerian motion is always superior to fixed-angle
transverse thrusting from a fuel usage standpoint, and hence
that thrust vectoring must be utilized.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Astronautical Engineering
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
76 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.