Blended Locally-Optimal Control Laws for Space Debris Removal in LEO Using a Solar Sail

Bianchi, C., Niccolai, L., Mengali, G. and Ceriotti, M. (2023) Blended Locally-Optimal Control Laws for Space Debris Removal in LEO Using a Solar Sail. In: 6th International Symposium on Space Sailing (ISSS 2023), New York, NY, USA, 5-9 June 2023,

Abstract

This paper proposes a preliminary design for a space debris removal mission in low Earth orbit that makes use of a solar sail as a chaser satellite to reach, capture and de-orbit a debris object. The sail employs solar radiation pressure as the main source of thrust, and it is also subjected to the effects of the aerodynamic forces, the oblateness of the Earth, as well as the occurrence of eclipses. Locally-optimal laws are used to control the transfer with the aim of maximizing (or minimizing) the rate of change of a specific orbital element or a suitable linear combination of them, depending on the phase of the transfer. When blended control laws are used to target the debris, optimal weighing factors are derived through a genetic algorithm to assess the relative importance of each orbital element. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of locally-optimal laws in driving the sail towards the target even in the presence of the aforementioned orbital perturbations. In a test-case scenario, the sail, departing from 600 km of altitude, is able to reach the debris’ orbit at 1200 km of height in less than 200 days with good accuracy for a preliminary study.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bianchi, Christian and Ceriotti, Dr Matteo
• Authors: Bianchi, C., Niccolai, L., Mengali, G., and Ceriotti, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy

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