Heliocentric problem for a sail in the case of variable reduction of the gravitational field
Abstract
The paper examines the problem of determining the secular perturbations of a spacecraft with a reflective solar sail due to the continuous reduction of the specular reflection coefficient of the sail under space factors. The problem is formulated for a sail normally oriented toward solar rays, i.e., for Zander-type orientation of the sail in a central field. The equations of motion are solved on the basis of the heliocentric photogravitational problem of two bodies, with the variability of gravitational-field reduction being determined by the wear of the sail. It is shown that the wear of the sail makes the spacecraft orbit approach that of the earth.
- Publication:
-
Leningradskii Universitet Vestnik Matematika Mekhanika Astronomiia
- Pub Date:
- October 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984VeLen.......63P
- Keywords:
-
- Astrodynamics;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Radiation Pressure;
- Solar Sails;
- Spacecraft Orbits;
- Secular Variations;
- Solar Gravitation;
- Solar Orbits;
- Specular Reflection;
- Two Body Problem;
- Astrodynamics