Date of Award
4-2020
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Hudson
Second Advisor
Dr. Kapseong Ro
Third Advisor
Dr. Richard Meyer
Keywords
Space flight dynamics, trajectory design, long- period comets, staging orbits, multi-objective optimization
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Objects that have retained pieces of information about the early Solar System are key to our understanding of its formation and evolutionary history. However, the high delta-V required to reach these objects, such as long-period comets or interstellar objects, makes designing an intercept mission at the time of detection impractical. In this thesis, multiple heliocentric staging orbits are explored to serve as departure positions for future missions, prior to objects’ detections. By utilizing more than one staging orbit concurrently, the set of objects that are reachable is expanded, therefore increasing mission feasibility. Delta-V maps are generated and superimposed; two-impulse burn trajectories are simulated and compared between the different staging orbits; strategic astronomical observation patterns are suggested; multi-objective optimization is performed for trade studies.
Recommended Citation
Vivan, Gabriel Prescinotti, "Mission Architecture Analysis: Exploring Long-Period Comets From Multiple Staging Orbits" (2020). Masters Theses. 5116.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5116