Optimization of very-low-thrust, many-revolution spacecraft trajectories

1994 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1185-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne A. Scheel ◽  
Bruce A. Conway
Keyword(s):  
Low Thrust ◽  
Spacecraft Trajectories

Optimal multi-objective low-thrust spacecraft trajectories

2000 ◽  
Vol 186 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 387-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Coverstone-Carroll ◽  
J.W. Hartmann ◽  
W.J. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Low Thrust ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Spacecraft Trajectories

Rendez vous with Saturn's rings

1984 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 743-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry T. Nock
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Power Source ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Low Thrust ◽  
Ring Plane ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Total Impulse ◽  
Saturn's Rings

ABSTRACTA mission to rendezvous with the rings of Saturn is studied with regard to science rationale and instrumentation and engineering feasibility and design. Future detailedin situexploration of the rings of Saturn will require spacecraft systems with enormous propulsive capability. NASA is currently studying the critical technologies for just such a system, called Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). Electric propulsion is the only technology which can effectively provide the required total impulse for this demanding mission. Furthermore, the power source must be nuclear because the solar energy reaching Saturn is only 1% of that at the Earth. An important aspect of this mission is the ability of the low thrust propulsion system to continuously boost the spacecraft above the ring plane as it spirals in toward Saturn, thus enabling scientific measurements of ring particles from only a few kilometers.

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