MISSION ANALYSIS OF A NEW SOLAR SAIL SATELLITE CONCEPT AT LOW EARTH ORBIT


POLAT H., TEKİNALP O.

AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2020, Virtual, Online, 9 - 12 August 2020, vol.175, pp.2387-2406, (Full Text) identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 175
  • City: Virtual, Online
  • Page Numbers: pp.2387-2406
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Exploiting the propellant free maneuver capability of solar sail satellites for high resolution Earth observation mission is addressed with an elliptical low Earth orbit. The employed orbit has a low perigee altitude for observation and a high apogee altitude for orbit maneuvers. For the purpose of mission analysis of this new concept, a reference satellite configuration is designed with an aim to determine the technological readiness level based on the characteristic acceleration. Finally, a mission orbit parameter selection algorithm for a region of interest is developed based on observation performance metrics. The new concept is shown to be successful in carrying out propellant-free Earth observation.