This paper investigates the long-term evolution of spacecraft in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs). The single averaged disturbing potential due to luni-solar perturbations and zonal harmonics of the Earth gravity field is written. The double averaged potential is also derived in the Earth-centered equatorial system. Maps of long-term evolution are constructed to identify conditions for quasi-frozen, or long-lived libration orbits. In addition to allow meeting specific mission constraints, quasi-frozen orbits can be selected as graveyard orbits for the end-of-life of HEO missions. On the opposite side, unstable conditions can be exploited to target an Earth re-entry at the end-of-mission.
Long-term evolution of highly-elliptical orbits: luni-solar perturbation effects for stability and re-entry
COLOMBO, CAMILLA
2015-01-01
Abstract
This paper investigates the long-term evolution of spacecraft in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs). The single averaged disturbing potential due to luni-solar perturbations and zonal harmonics of the Earth gravity field is written. The double averaged potential is also derived in the Earth-centered equatorial system. Maps of long-term evolution are constructed to identify conditions for quasi-frozen, or long-lived libration orbits. In addition to allow meeting specific mission constraints, quasi-frozen orbits can be selected as graveyard orbits for the end-of-life of HEO missions. On the opposite side, unstable conditions can be exploited to target an Earth re-entry at the end-of-mission.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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