Optimal configuration of a planet-finding mission consisting of a telescope and a constellation of occulters

Egemen Kolemen, N. Jeremy Kasdin

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

Abstract

The optimal configuration of satellite formations consisting of a telescope and multiple occulters around Sun-Earth L2 Halo orbits is studied. Focusing on the Quasi-Halo orbits, which are of interest for occulter placement, the phase space around L2 is examined. Trajectory optimization of the occulter motion between imaging sessions of different stars is performed. This enables the transformation of the global optimization problem into a Time-Dependent Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). First, the TSP is solved for a simpler formation consisting of a telescope and a single occulter. Using dynamical insight around L2, approximate initialization regions of the occulter formation are identified. Combining the initialization and the methods developed for single occulter formation, a solution to the full TSP is obtained, which will enable a trade-off study of multiple occulters in terms of cost and scientific achievement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Astronautical Society - Space Flight Mechanics 2007 - Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Proceedings of the AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
Pages1503-1524
Number of pages22
StatePublished - 2007
Event17th Annual Space Flight Mechanics Meeting - Sedona, AZ, United States
Duration: Jan 28 2007Feb 1 2007

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume127 PART 2
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Other

Other17th Annual Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySedona, AZ
Period1/28/072/1/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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