Dynamical performance for science-mode stationkeeping with an external occulter

Dan Sirbu, Christian Vad Karsten, N. Jeremy Kasdin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

An external occulter flown in precise formation with a telescope is being considered for high-contrast direct imaging of exoplanets as a viable mission scenario. In this paper, the dynamics about the Sun-Earth L2 region for an occulter-telescope constellation are considered in conjunction with fourth-body and solar radiation pressure acting as disturbing forces. An optimal observation window is defined in terms of both thrust required and the Sun-constellation geometry. By simulation, the effects of the stellar latitude and distance, the spacecraft separation, the magnitude of the disturbing forces, and on-off versus continuous thrusting are quantified on the thrusting profile needed to maintain precise alignment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010
Subtitle of host publicationOptical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 27 2010Jul 2 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7731
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period6/27/107/2/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Keywords

  • Circularly restricted three body problem
  • External occulter
  • High contrast imaging
  • Stationkeeping

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