Impact of Non-gravitational Forces on Magellan Orbit Determination
A Historic Mission To Venus
J.A. Inamdar (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
A detailed modeling of non-gravitational forces is an area that has been left unexplored in the past for orbit modeling of Magellan, primarily due to imperfect knowledge about its attitude and physical properties (optical properties and drag coefficient). As a result, past orbit analyses have restricted the non-gravitational force modeling by implementing a simple cannon-ball model for Magellan. Given that the Venusian surroundings can have significant impact on the spacecraft trajectory, the main objective of this project is to develop a reasonable macro-model for Magellan and investigate its impact on the modeled non-gravitational forces, and consequently on the orbit solution of the spacecraft. Presence of good non-gravitational force models can improve the dynamic orbit modeling of spacecraft, that can eventually enhance the gravity recovery capability of a mission.