Mission design and navigation of multiple-satellite-aided capture trajectories and cyclers for missions to Jupiter

Alfred E Lynam, Purdue University

Abstract

Satellite-aided capture is a mission design concept used to reduce the delta-v required to capture into a planetary orbit. Sequences of close flybys of two or more of the Galilean moons of Jupiter are initially designed using patched-conic methods then numerically integrated as a proof of concept. A phase-angle analysis based on the Laplace resonance is used to find triple-satellite-aided capture sequences involving Io, Europa, and Ganymede. This phase angle analysis is also extended to create Laplace-resonant triple cyclers, which can periodically fly by all of the three moons indefinitely. By integrating backward, satellite-aided capture sequences are connected to Earth launch opportunities to form more complete mission scenarios. A preliminary navigation analysis of these trajectories has also been performed using statistical orbit determination (with batch sequential filters) and maneuver design (with differential corrector targeters).

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Longuski, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Aerospace engineering

COinS