Automatic trajectory planning for low-thrust active removal mission in low-earth orbit. Issue 5 (1st March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Carlo, Marilena; Romero Martin, Juan Manuel; Vasile, Massimiliano
• Is Part Of: Advances in space research. Volume 59:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 1234
• Page End: 1258
• Publication Date: 2017-03-01
• Subjects: Active debris removal -- Orbital debris -- Debris mitigation -- Automated trajectory design -- Automatic planning and scheduling -- Low-thrust transfers; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2016.11.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-1177

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper two strategies are proposed to de-orbit up to 10 non-cooperative objects per year from the region within 800 and 1400 km altitude in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The underlying idea is to use a single servicing spacecraft to de-orbit several objects applying two different approaches. The first strategy is analogous to the Traveling Salesman Problem: the servicing spacecraft rendezvous with multiple objects in order to physically attach a de-orbiting kit that reduces the perigee of the orbit. The second strategy is analogous to the Vehicle Routing Problem: the servicing spacecraft rendezvous and docks with an object, spirals it down to a lower altitude orbit, undocks, and then spirals up to the next target. In order to maximise the number of de-orbited objects with minimum propellant consumption, an optimal sequence of targets is identified using a bio-inspired incremental automatic planning and scheduling discrete optimisation algorithm. The optimisation of the resulting sequence is realised using a direct transcription method based on an asymptotic analytical solution of the perturbed Keplerian motion. The analytical model takes into account the perturbations deriving from the J 2 gravitational effect and the atmospheric drag.