Demonstration of Aerodynamic Control Manoeuvres in Very Low Earth Orbit using SOAR (Satellite for Orbital Aerodynamics Research)
- Paper number
IAC-19,B4,6A,2,x50772
- Author
Dr. Nicholas H. Crisp, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Ms. Sabrina Livadiotti, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Peter C.E Roberts, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Steve Edmondson, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Sarah Haigh, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Mrs. Claire Huyton, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Mrs. Rachel Lyons, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Vitor Oiko, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Katharine Smith, United Kingdom, University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Ms. Luciana Sinpetru, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Mr. Alastair Straker, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Stephen Worrall, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester
- Coauthor
Dr. Jonathan Becedas Rodríguez, Spain, Elecnor Deimos
- Coauthor
Ms. Rosa María Domínguez, Spain, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems
- Coauthor
Mr. David González, Spain, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems
- Coauthor
Mr. Valentin Cañas, Spain, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems
- Coauthor
Ms. Hanessian Virginia, Denmark, GomSpace Aps
- Coauthor
Mr. Anders Mølgaard, Denmark, GomSpace Aps
- Coauthor
Mr. Jens Nielsen, Denmark, GomSpace Aps
- Coauthor
Dr. Morten Bisgaard, Denmark, GomSpace ApS
- Coauthor
Mr. Adam Boxberger, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Yung-An Chan, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Dr. Georg H. Herdrich, Germany, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Francesco Romano, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Prof. Stefanos Fasoulas, Germany, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Mr. Constantin Traub, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
- Coauthor
Dr. Daniel Garcia-Almiñana, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Dr. Silvia Rodriguez-Donaire, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Dr. Miquel Sureda, Spain, UPC-BarcelonaTECH
- Coauthor
Mrs. Dhiren Kataria, United Kingdom, Mullard Space Science Laboratory
- Coauthor
Dr. Ron Outlaw, United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Badia Belkouchi, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Mr. Alexis Conte, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Mr. Jose Santiago Perez Cano, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Mrs. Rachel Villain, France, Euroconsult
- Coauthor
Ms. Barbara Heißerer, Germany, concentris research management gmbh
- Coauthor
Ms. Ameli Schwalber, Germany, concentris research management gmbh
- Year
2019
- Abstract
Aerodynamic forces have often been proposed as a possible means to perform a variety of different attitude and orbit control manoeuvres in very low Earth orbits including pointing control, constellation and formation management, and re-entry interface targeting. However, despite interest and numerous studies conducted in this area there is has been lack of on-orbit demonstration of these manoeuvres beyond simple proof of aerostability and some operational use of differential drag for constellation maintenance. SOAR (Satellite for Aerodynamics Research) is a CubeSat mission and part of DISCOVERER, a Horizon 2020 funded project to develop technologies to enable sustained operation of Earth observation satellites in very Low Earth Orbits. SOAR is due to be launched in 2020 with the primary aim to investigate the interaction between different materials and the atmospheric flow regime in very low Earth orbits. This satellite, with its set of rotating aerodynamic fins, also offers the unique opportunity to demonstrate and test novel aerodynamic control methods in the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) environment. This paper presents the approach to demonstrate novel aerodynamic control methods in-orbit which will be used on the experimental SOAR Cubesat. The aerodynamic manoeuvres and associated control methods selected for demonstration are first described. Simulations of the aerodynamic control manoeuvres and expected satellite dynamic behaviour are also presented, demonstrating potential advantages for spacecraft operations which can be achieved by utilising the natural aerodynamic forces present at these lower orbital altitudes.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,B4,6A,2,x50772.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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