An Inverse Dynamics Method for Soft Landing and Anchoring Planing
- Paper number
IAC-07-D4.1.02
- Author
Dr. Radu Rugescu, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The problem of efficient soft landing by tethered twin masses is investigated through an inverse dynamics method. The deployment and anchoring of the lower end of the space elevator cable is analyzed and re-entry dynamics and necessary initial conditions for a secure soft landing are discussed. The physical method is considered for center bodies without atmosphere (Moon and other satellites) and for planets with atmosphere (Earth, Mars). The efficiency of the system is compared with the gasdynamical or balloon soft landing solutions, in terms of the mass expense. The technology for the cable deployment is considered as given at any desired size within a circular orbit for a twin tether system of unequal masses. Numerical simulations cover the descent trajectory of the landing mass and the post-landing evolution of the orbital mass after de-connection. Emphasize is put on dynamic loads within the cable during the eigen-descent phase and at the landing position regarding safe anchoring capabilities. The estimates are based on simplifying assumptions regarding the inertial behavior of the hyper-long cable.
- Abstract document