Trajectory analysis for Cubesat landing on Didymoon in context of AIM mission

Paper number

IAC-17,A3,4B,4,x41126

Author

Mr. Mugurel Balan, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Dr. Dan Selaru, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Mr. Mihai Racheru, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Dr. Claudiu Gabriel Dragasanu, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Dr. Marius Florin Trusculescu, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Mr. Constantin Alexandru Pandele, Institute for Space Sciences, Romania

Coauthor

Ms. Silvana Radu, Institute of Space Science, Romania

Coauthor

Mr. David Binns, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Year

2017

Abstract

Landing and attaching on the surface of a low gravity asteroid or comet, is a challenge mainly due to the small escape velocity of those bodies, comparable with the touchdown velocities, hence the need for anchoring devices. 
The current paper presents the gravitational analysis for an anchor equipped CubeSat lander on Didymoon surface in context of the AIM mission.  The preliminary trajectory analysis has been performed in order to derive the system requirements for the anchoring device and to assess the CubeSat trajectory after release from the mothership. The study is focusing on finding the appropriate descent trajectory insertion condition in order to obtain the maximum probability for both hit the asteroid and remain on its surface taking into considerations the insertions errors. 
Due to very small gravity, the analysis of the trajectory of an object in the target two-body system can’t be separated from the Solar System. Therefore the problem can’t be tackled in terms of escape velocity as this greatly depends on the Solar System and the position of Didymoon with respect to the binary’s CM (i.e. vernal angle). Furthermore, additional factors contribute to this uncertainty: touchdown location on Didymoon, relative velocity with the surface of Didymoon and time of separation/touchdown. The touchdown consequences (i.e. escape or return trajectory) are also unknown due to the uncertainty in the velocity restitution coefficients. The rebound velocity is best parametrized in terms of coefficients of restitution for normal and parallel velocity.
The analysis we present resulted in the identification of several conditions of high hit and stay probabilities. The solutions having a probability higher than 90% for touchdown and higher than 70% for resting on the surface of Didymoon are summarized.

Abstract document

IAC-17,A3,4B,4,x41126.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,A3,4B,4,x41126.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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