Artificial Horseshoe Orbits Using Low Thrust Propulsion

Arnot, C. S. and McInnes, C. R. (2016) Artificial Horseshoe Orbits Using Low Thrust Propulsion. 67th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Guadalajara, Mexico, 26-30 Sep 2016.

Abstract

Horseshoe orbits, occurring naturally in three-body systems, can be generated artificially in a two-body system with the application of continuous low thrust. In this paper, the Clohessy-Wiltshire equations are presented in cylindrical polar form, and with the addition of continuous low thrust they are used to generate artificial horseshoe orbits around a circular reference orbit. Two solutions using simple thrust commands are derived and tested numerically. It is shown that the thrust magnitude and v requirements for artificial horseshoe orbits are modest and achievable for certain Earth orbiting cases, and that the applications for such novel spacecraft constellations are potentially diverse. Finally, a discussion of phased constellations of spacecraft, considering constellations on nested horseshoe orbits around the same reference orbit and those on displaced-plane non-Keplerian orbits, is also presented.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McInnes, Professor Colin
• Authors: Arnot, C. S., and McInnes, C. R.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 Calluot, Colin R. McInnes

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