Dynamics, Stability and Control of Highly Non-Keplerian Orbits
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
Families of highly non-Keplerian orbits devised and developed by the applicant have been a principal driver in the recent development of solar sail technology. These new families of novel orbits provide a range of compelling near-term applications for solar sailing and have led to rapid advancement of the technology in Europe and the US. This project will employ a single postdoctoral research assistant for 3 years to conduct a systematic analysis of highly non-Keplerian orbits for spacecraft with low thrust propulsion systems using the methods of modern dynamical systems theory. It is expected that this analysis will uncover new families of orbits for solar sails and solar electric propulsion, again with exciting new practical applications. The UK has a strong industrial interest in low thrust propulsion which will ultimately be strengthened by this programme of fundamental, curiosity-driven research.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Colin McInnes (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Biggs J
(2009)
Time-Delayed Feedback Control in Astrodynamics
in Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Biggs J
(2009)
Solar Sail Formation Flying for Deep-Space Remote Sensing
in Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Biggs J
(2010)
Passive Orbit Control for Space-Based Geo-eEngineering
in Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Biggs J
(2009)
Control of Solar Sail Periodic Orbits in the Elliptic Three-Body Problem
in Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Waters T
(2008)
Invariant Manifolds and Orbit Control in the Solar Sail Three-Body Problem
in Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Waters T
(2008)
Solar sail dynamics in the three-body problem: Homoclinic paths of points and orbits
in International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics