Analyses of Orbital Lifetime and Observation Conditions of Small Lunar Satellites

Paper number

IAC-08.B4.8.6

Author

Mr. Oliver Zeile, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Michael Lachenmann, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Eduard Baumstark, Institute of Geodesy, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Alexandra Mohr, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Dagmar Bock, Institute of Space Systems, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Rene Laufer, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Hans-Peter Röser, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

Unlike the Earth's gravitational field, which is dominated by the oblateness of the Earth, the Moon's gravitational field shows large inhomogeneities that strongly influence the shape of an orbit and can severely influence the orbital lifetime of any spacecraft orbiting the Moon. However, small lunar spacecrafts are even more affected by those unstable orbits because their limited mass leaves little to no fuel reserves for excessive orbit maintenance maneuvers. 

The Lunar Mission BW1 currently under development at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) at the Universitaet Stuttgart is a good example for the raised problems. Electrical propulsion systems (iMPDs and thermal arcjet) provide the transfer from a GTO to the target LLO. Due to the limited fuel mass and operational lifetime of the thrusters, we consider the orbit maintenance capabilities of the probe to be minimal. Measures to maximize orbital lifetime with the least amount of propellant have to be taken and target orbits have to be examined carefully.

This paper will describe the results of the orbit analysis for Lunar Mission BW1 conducted with up to date high grade and order gravity models and simulation software and gives suitable, long lasting, target orbits for small lunar spacecrafts. Several low thrust and low propulsion orbit maintenance strategies are considered and the impact on the orbit and the possible spacecraft activities is analyzed.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B4.8.6.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B4.8.6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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