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  • Concepts and Applications of Aerodynamic Attitude and Orbital Control for Spacecraft in Very Low Earth Orbit

    Paper number

    IAC-19,C1,1,3,x50777

    Author

    Ms. Sabrina Livadiotti, United Kingdom, The University of Manchester

    Coauthor

    Dr. Nicholas H. Crisp, 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

    Prof.Dr. Georg Herdrich, Germany, Institute of Space Systems

    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
    Spacecraft operations below 450km, namely Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), can offer significant advantages over traditional low Earth orbits, for example enhanced ground resolution for Earth observation, improved communications latency and link budget, or improved signal-to-noise ratio. Recently, these lower orbits have begun to be exploited as a result of technology development, particularly component miniaturisation and cost-reduction, and concerns over the increasing debris population in commercially exploited orbits. However, the high cost of orbital launch and challenges associated with atmospheric drag, causing orbital decay and eventually re-entry are still a key barrier to their wider use for large commercial and civil spacecraft. Efforts to address the impact of aerodynamic drag are being sought through the development of novel drag-compensation propulsion systems and identification of materials which can reduce aerodynamic drag by specularly reflecting the incident gas. However, the presence of aerodynamic forces can also be utilised to augment or improve spacecraft operations at these very low altitudes by providing the capability to perform coarse pointing control and trim, internal momentum management, or secular control of inclination and RAAN for example. This paper presents concepts for the advantageous use of spacecraft aerodynamics developed as part of DISCOVERER, a Horizon 2020 funded project with the aim to revolutionise Earth observation satellite operations in VLEO. The combination of novel spacecraft geometries and use of aerodynamic control methods are explored, demonstrating the potential for a new generation of Earth observation satellites operating at lower altitudes.
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,C1,1,3,x50777.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-19,C1,1,3,x50777.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.