meetings - Space Flight Mechanics Committee

13-441 and Impact of Complex Models in Satellite Constellation Design
Ryan McKennon-Kelly, The Aerospace Corporation; Patrick Reed, The
Pennsylvania State University; David Spencer, The Pennsylvania State University;
Matthew Ferringer, The Aerospace Corporation
This paper proposes and demonstrates sensitivity-informed model diagnostics as applied to
constellation design (CD). Model diagnostics provide guidance on how computationally
intensive simulations can be simplified; yielding substantial computational savings while
minimally impacting fidelity. Current methods average performance for various locations
over a year; preventing nuanced evaluation of systems, and preventing the tailoring of the
design for specific applications. We discovered the most important inputs, times, and
locations for analysis; highlighting key dynamics typically occluded by averaging. We
guided creation of simplified models we call “dynamic emulators”, with significant
potential for improving the computational tractability of intensive design optimization.
9:20 AAS Simulation and Analysis of a Phobos-anchored Tether
13-442 Andrew Klesh, NASA / Caltech JPL
9:40 Break
We investigate the dynamics and feasibility of a light-weight tether anchored to Phobos
near Stickney crater. The tether is initially deployed along the Mars-Phobos line with its tip
sitting beyond the Mars-Phobos L1 point. Such a tether could potentially provide a stable,
low-gravity anchor point for human or robotic missions, or serve as an elevator for Phobos
resources. Unfortunately trajectories near the L1 point are unstable, and there are
proportionally large disturbance forces. We model the tether and simulate the evolution of
its position to determine the feasibility and potential control needs of implementation.
10:05 AAS Spacecraft Navigation Using Celestial Gamma-ray Sources
13-444 Chuck Hisamoto, ASTER Labs, Inc.; Suneel Sheikh, ASTER Labs, Inc.; Zaven
Arzoumanian, Independent Contractor
Techniques for determining spacecraft position using celestial gamma-ray sources are
presented. These bright, high-energy events provide well-defined characteristics conducive
to accurate time-alignment among spacecraft detectors. Utilizing assemblages of photons
from distant gamma-ray bursts, relative positions between two spacecraft can be accurately
computed along the direction to the source based upon the difference in arrival time of the
burst at each spacecraft’s location. Burst profile correlation methods used to time-align the
high energy signals are provided. Navigation algorithm simulations using future
observation capabilities demonstrate position uncertainties comparable to the NASA Deep
Space Network.
10:25 AAS Potential Effects of a Realistic Solar Sail and Comparison to an Ideal Sail
13-487 Jules Simo, University of Strathclyde; Colin McInnes, Advanced Space Concepts
Laboratory, University of Strathclyde
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23 rd AAS / AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting