Title
Sub-L1 Halo Orbit Control Using Solar Sailing: FPF and Heliogyro Sails
Author
Pignacca, Emma (TU Delft Aerospace Engineering)
Contributor
Mooij, E. (mentor) 
Degree granting institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Date
2024-04-19
Abstract
This study analyzes the orbit control performance of solar sails for Sun-Earth sub-L1 halo orbits, which are particularly interesting for solar observation missions. Heliogyros are a promising alternative to the more widely employed Fixed Polygonal Flat (FPF) sails due to their potential to enhance maneuverability. The heliogyro coupled roto-translational dynamics model is tested for the first time in the interest of orbit control, and a new method is developed to validate and verify the model. While achieving a fully functional heliogyro controller remains challenging due to slow attitude control, the developed design shows potential for future improvements. Furthermore, a new Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) that employs a hybrid error approach is designed for the FPF sail. Compared to previous research, the new LQR shows improvements in terms of allowable injection errors: the combinations of allowable initial position and velocity errors double with looser performance constraints and almost triplicate for stricter constraints.
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f7da4ec8-6399-4d65-b087-3daa829e24fd
Embargo date
2025-05-02
Part of collection
Student theses
Document type
master thesis
Rights
© 2024 Emma Pignacca