Optimization of spiral low thrust transfers in non-keplerian motion

• Grant number: 09/08081-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: December 01, 2009
• End date: November 30, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Flight Dynamics
• Principal Investigator: Antônio Fernando Bertachini de Almeida Prado
• Grantee: Antônio Fernando Bertachini de Almeida Prado
• Visiting researcher: Alexander Sukhanov
• Visiting researcher institution: Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Russia
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Electric thrusters can give a very high exhaust velocity to the ionized propellant; this is why use of EP for space transfers increases effectiveness of the space exploration. Although the jet acceleration what EP can give to the spacecraft is very low due to the limited power of the onboard sources of the electric energy; therefore EP is also called low thrust. At the same time the mass flow rate (i.e. propellant consumption in a time unit) of EP is very low and EP can be acting continuously during months or even years. This makes calculation and optimization of the low thrust transfers much more difficult comparing to the case of the chemical propulsion providing impulsive thrust. (AU)