Optimal spin rate control of a spinning solar sail for orbital inclination change

Go Ono, Yuya Mimasu, Jun'Ichiro Kawaguchi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Solar sails are a form of spacecraft which deploys a large sail in space and uses solar radiation pressure for propulsion. They are expected to be a promising technology for future deep space exploration since they do not require any propellant for propulsion. It is known that the spin-axis direction of a spinning solar sail rotates around an equilibrium direction near the Sun direction due to the effect of solar radiation pressure. This attitude motion can be controlled by the spin rate of a spacecraft. Since the solar radiation pressure force on the sail, hence the acceleration of the spacecraft, is dependent on the attitude with respect to the Sun, the orbit of a spinning solar sail can be controlled indirectly by the spin rate. In this paper, the spin rate control of a spinning solar sail for orbital inclination change is investigated. It is assumed that a spacecraft is initially in a circular orbit around the Sun in the ecliptic plane, and the orbital inclination is maximised by spin rate control.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication65th International Astronautical Congress 2014, IAC 2014
Subtitle of host publicationOur World Needs Space
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
Pages5047-5055
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781634399869
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event65th International Astronautical Congress 2014: Our World Needs Space, IAC 2014 - Toronto, Canada
Duration: 29 Sept 20143 Oct 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume7
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference65th International Astronautical Congress 2014: Our World Needs Space, IAC 2014
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityToronto
Period29/09/143/10/14

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