The aim of this paper is to propose a shape-based method in which the concept of Bezier curve is used to efficiently design the three-dimensional interplanetary trajectory of a spacecraft whose primary propulsion system is an Electric Solar Wind Sail. The latter is a propellantless propulsion concept that consists of a spinning grid of tethers, kept at a high positive potential by a power source and maintained stretched by the centrifugal force. The proposed approach approximates the time variation of the components of the spacecraft position vector using a Bezier curve function, whose geometric coefficients are calculated by optimizing the total flight time with standard numerical methods and enforcing the boundary conditions of a typical interplanetary rendezvous mission. The paper also discusses a geometrical approach to include, in the optimization process, the propulsive acceleration vector constraints obtained with the latest Electric Solar Wind Sail thrust model.


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    Title :

    Electric Sail Trajectory Design with Bezier Curve-based Shaping Approach


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2019-01-01



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    DDC:    621



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