An Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation System

Team: 6

School: Albuquerque Academy

Area of Science: Physics

Interim:

Problem Definition
The end goal of this project is to demonstrate low-energy paths that could be used by a spacecraft with a small continuous propulsion capability. Low-energy paths take into account the gravity and movement of planets as sources of energy, rather than solely relying on a spacecraft’s fuel for propulsion. Low-energy paths in combination with the minute thrust provided by continuous propulsion could lead to paths throughout the solar system that require very little fuel and can be completed in reasonable amounts of time.

Approach
This project uses a simulation-based approach to find low-energy paths in the full n-body solar system. This method allows for low-energy orbits that traditionally come from different special-case systems of bodies to be used in conjunction with each other, providing an opportunity to immediately unify these orbits. It also allows for various types of continuous propulsion to be incorporated with ease.

Progress to Date
A software system that uses a novel itinerary-based algorithm to optimize spacecraft launch conditions to achieve effective low-energy trajectories within a complete solar system model has successfully used known low-energy maneuvers to navigate near Earth. It has also been used to test various exit strategies including Moon gravity assists paths. This software system can readily incorporate any type of continuous propulsion, such as an ion drive or solar sail. Effective use of continuous propulsion is the current focus of further research.

Bibliography

1. Lo, M. (2002). The InterPlanetary Superhighway and the Origins Program. Aerospace Conference Proceedings (pp. 7-3543- 7-3562 vol.7). Pasadena: IEEE.
   
2. Koon, W. S., Lo, M. W., Marsden, J. E., & Ross, S. D. (2000). Dynamical Systems, the Three- Body Problem and Space Mission Design. Berlin: World Scientific.
   
3. Ross, S., & Grover, P. (2009). Designing Trajectories in a Planet-Moon Enviornment Using the Controlled Keplerian Map. 32 No. 2 (March-April).
   
4. Strange, N., & Longuski, J. (2002). Graphical Method for Gravity-Assist Trajectory Design. 39 No. 1 (January-Feburary).
   
5. Petropoulos, A., Longuski, J., & Bonfiglio, E. (2000). Trajectories to Jupiter vio Gravity Assists from Venus, Earth, Mars. 37 No. 6 (November-December).
   
6. Lo, M., & Ross, S. (2001). The Lunar L1 Gateway: Portal to the Stars and Beyond. Albuquerque: AIAA Space 2001 Conference.

Team Members:

  Erika DeBenedictis

Sponsoring Teacher: Jim Mims

Mail the entire Team