Optimal low-thrust intercept/rendezvous trajectories to earth-crossing objects

Sang Young Park, Kyu Hong Choi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Optimal trajectories are presented that intercept and rendezvous with Earth-crossing objects by using an advanced magnetoplasma spacecraft with variable low-thrust capability. A detailed optimization method is formulated to provide optimal trajectories for any threat scenarios caused by Earth-crossing asteroids/comets. The characteristics of the trajectories are analyzed to find insights into appropriate trajectories for a targeted celestial body. It is primarily illustrated that the optimal trajectories are significantly dependent on the orbital elements of the impacting object, as well as on the distance from the Earth to the target. The trajectories can be used as reference trajectories to formulate an overall concept for solving the deflection problem of the Earth-crossing objects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1049-1055
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

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