STUDY OF STATION KEEPING USING LOW THRUST (ION) ENGINES,

Abstract

The problem of using low thrust engines to control the position, period and eccentricity of a satellite's orbit is examined. Equations describing the motion of a satellite in response to constant low level radial and tangential thrusting are developed. A guidance logic for control of the position and period is developed using phase plane techniques. A logic for control of eccentricity is also presented. The problem of orbit determination is also considered. Expressions relating period and position uncertainties as a function of the nominal orbit parameters, tracking errors and tracking time are developed. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 08, 1964
Accession Number
AD0431841

Entities

People

  • R. V. Soufl

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Eccentricity
  • Equations
  • Guidance
  • Mathematics
  • Shape
  • Uncertainty

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Approximation Theory.
  • Geodesy

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers