Orbital mechanics and mission analysis studies are the natural complement to space propulsion research performed at Centrospazio. The main focus of these activities is on identifying possible scenarios in which electric propulsion systems (Arcjet, FEEP, SPT, MPD) can play a major role.

Astrodynamics and mission analysis activities presently under development at Centrospazio include:

Optimal Low Thrust Orbit Raising Strategies

The usefulness of high specific impulse, low-thrust engines (i.e. electric thrusters) as the main propulsion system in small/medium satellites is investigated. In particular attention is focused on different orbit raising strategies, optimizing useful payload or transfer time or a combination of both. A genetic algorithm (GA) approach is used for the constrained optimization of the thrust strategy, together with a simple orbit propagating routine. GAs proved to be a very effective and flexible way for solving this class of problems, for their robustness and for the possibility of implementing largely different mission profiles.

A simple LEO-GEO low thrust transfer trajectory. A GTO-GEO low thrust transfer trajectory. Optimized satellite mass distribution for a 2 months GTO-GEO transfer.

DumbOrbit - A High Precision Orbital Propagator

A high precision orbital propagator, performing a direct numerical integration of astrodynamic equations (including Earth oblateness, luni-solar gravitation, atmospheric and radiation pressure perturbations), has been developed at Centrospazio for mission analysis purposes. The code is used to perform routine computations on various space missions in Earth and Moon orbits.

A two-impulse low-thrust Earth escape trajectory. Ground track screen for the two-impulse escape mission.

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CENTROSPAZIO
Via A. Gherardesca, 5 - 56014 Ospedaletto, Pisa, Italy
Tel: +39 050 985097 / 985072 - Fax: +39 050 974094
E-mail: centrospazio@cpr.it

This page is maintained by Leonardo Biagioni.
Last modified: January 16, 1999