Physics
Scientific paper
Oct 1986
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1986bapl.rept.....n&link_type=abstract
Final Report British Aerospace Public Ltd. Co., Bristol (England). Space and Communications Div.
Physics
Asteroid Missions, Comets, Interplanetary Navigation, Interplanetary Trajectories, Low Thrust Propulsion, Interplanetary Transfer Orbits, Space Rendezvous, Spacecraft Guidance, Thrust Vector Control
Scientific paper
Navigation (orbit determination and guidance) on the heliocentric transfer trajectories; approach for rendezvous with a comet; estimation of the gravitational constant in a coast arc near the comet; and maneuvers within the irregular gravitational field of a comet are discussed. In the cruise or heliocentric transfer phase, orbit determination is ground-based and fairly conventional. For guidance, a feedback algorithm derived from optimal control theory is very effective, provided that a very small amount of thrust variation by throttling is permitted. Satisfactory autonomous navigation in the approach phase was simulated. Determination of the gravitational factor was simulated in a coast phase near the nucleus. Difficulties were encountered in orbit determination and correction (by feedback-driven thrusting) due to the irregular gravitational field and shape of the nucleus; the latter corrupts measurements. The difficulties are not insurmountable.
Elliott C. A.
Noton M.
Salehi S. V.
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