Autonomous Maneuver Targeting Around Small Bodies Using Continuous-Thrust Propulsion

What is it about?

Low-thrust propulsion systems can enable longer, more efficient, and less expensive missions to small bodies. However, there is currently a lack of autonomous spacecraft GNC techniques that inhibits the use of low-thrust propulsion around small bodies. This paper presents a novel pseudo-optimal, computationally-efficient, continuous-thrust maneuver targeting algorithm that is able to plan the finite, continuous maneuvers within a larger autonomous guidance architecture that can ultimately enable the use of low-thrust propulsion around small bodies.

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Photo by Rene Böhmer on Unsplash

Photo by Rene Böhmer on Unsplash