Application of Lagrangian Coherent Structures to the computation and understanding of ballistic capture trajectories

Ballistic capture is a transfer method which was first applied in 1990. It allows a spacecraft to approach a target celestial body and enter a (temporary) orbit around it without requiring manoeuvres in between. Ballistic capture is a promising concept, as it is expected to be safer, cheaper, and more flexible in terms of launch windows than a...

Applying Reliable Methods to Analyse and Deflect an Asteroid: Design Synthesis Exercise Spring 2016; Group S03: Final review

This report presents the Final design of the Design Synthesis Exercise (DSE) to 'Capture a Small Asteroid and Change its Orbit' at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology. The bachelor programme 'Aerospace Engineering' comprises several projects enabling students to explore aeronautics and space from different...