Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 1995
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1995acaau..35..489l&link_type=abstract
Acta Astronautica (ISSN 0094-5765), vol. 35, no. 8, p. 489-500
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Aerobraking, Aerocapture, Aeromaneuvering, Mass, Optimization, Tethering, Tetherlines, Aerodynamic Drag, Ballistics, Fuel Consumption, Orbital Mechanics, Tensile Strength, Trajectory Analysis
Scientific paper
Earlier work has demonstrated the feasibility of using aerobraking tethers for the exploration of the solar system. In fact, compared to chemical propulsion, the tether mass is usually much less than the required propellant mass. The basic concept involves an orbiter and a probe connected by a thin tether. The probe is deployed into the atmosphere of a planet where aerodynamic drag decelerates it. The tension on the tether provides the braking effect on the orbiter, thus eliminating the need for a propulsive maneuver. During the maneuver the orbiter travels outside the atmosphere, and does not require heat shielding. In the previous work a suboptimal solution was found where the system maintained a near vertical orientation during the fly through. In this paper we consider the minimum tether mass required for specified aerocapture conditions. As an intermediate step, we find the trajectory which provides the minimum tension on the tether. The fact that the orbiter must remain outside the atmosphere is introduced as an altitude constraint. The results are significant for future solar system exploration.
Longuski James M.
Puig-Suari J.
Tragesser S.
Tsiotras P.
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