Propellantless spacecraft maneuvers using the electromagnetic Lorentz force

George E Pollock, Purdue University

Abstract

A spacecraft that orbits a planet with a significant magnetic field and that produces a higher-than-natural electrostatic charge may harness Lorentz force perturbations to effect propulsion. This concept requires no propellant but useful orbital maneuver strategies are obfuscated by the fact that the Lorentz force has a single line of action at any instant. Motivated by the goal of developing useful maneuvers for "Lorentz spacecraft," this dissertation presents an investigation into the dynamics of these vehicles. New analytical theory, including Lagrange's planetary equations and analytical solutions to the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire relative-motion equations, is developed that characterizes the fundamental behaviors of a spacecraft subject to Lorentz force perturbations. Based upon the analytical exposition of the dynamics, several potent applications of the Lorentz force are identified, including inclination-change maneuvers, formation flight, and augmentation of gravity-assist flybys. Electrostatically charged spacecraft in low-Earth orbit may redeploy to new inclinations, rendezvous with other vehicles, and conduct fly-around maneuvers without propellant cost. A formation of charged spacecraft may harness both the Coulomb and Lorentz forces for formation control, which extends the capabilities of previously proposed Coulomb spacecraft formations. On planetary flybys, the Lorentz force can increase the energy of the hyperbolic orbit and, with futuristic charge levels, can achieve an arbitrary turn angle at Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. These effects may lead to novel interplanetary trajectories with new launch opportunities, new flyby sequences, shorter flight times, and higher Solar System escape speeds.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Longuski, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Aerospace engineering

COinS