We consider periodic orbits high above the ecliptic plane in the Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem where the third massless body is a solar sail. Periodic orbits above the ecliptic are of practical interest as they are ideally positioned for the year-round constant imaging of, and communication with, the poles. Initially we identify an unstable periodic orbit by using a numerical continuation from a known periodic orbit above the ecliptic in the circular case with the eccentricity as the varying parameter. This orbit is then used to construct a reference trajectory for the sail to track. In addition we illustrate an alternative method for constructing a periodic reference trajectory based on a time-delayed feedback mechanism. The reference trajectories are then tracked using a linear feedback regulator (LQR) where the control actuation is delivered by varying the solar sails orientation. Using this method it is shown that a 'near term' solar sail could potentially perform stable periodic motions high above the ecliptic plane.
Stabilizing periodic orbits above the Ecliptic plane in the solar sail 3-body problem
BIGGS, JAMES DOUGLAS;
2008-01-01
Abstract
We consider periodic orbits high above the ecliptic plane in the Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem where the third massless body is a solar sail. Periodic orbits above the ecliptic are of practical interest as they are ideally positioned for the year-round constant imaging of, and communication with, the poles. Initially we identify an unstable periodic orbit by using a numerical continuation from a known periodic orbit above the ecliptic in the circular case with the eccentricity as the varying parameter. This orbit is then used to construct a reference trajectory for the sail to track. In addition we illustrate an alternative method for constructing a periodic reference trajectory based on a time-delayed feedback mechanism. The reference trajectories are then tracked using a linear feedback regulator (LQR) where the control actuation is delivered by varying the solar sails orientation. Using this method it is shown that a 'near term' solar sail could potentially perform stable periodic motions high above the ecliptic plane.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.