Year: 2024
Type: preprint
Abstract: Solar-powered electric propulsion systems can operate in multiple modes and their operation is coupled to the power generated by solar arrays. However, the power produced by the solar arrays is a function of the solar array size and heliocentric distance to the Sun, which also depends on the to-be-optimized trajectory. The optimization of spacecraft solar array size, thruster modes, and trajectory can be performed simultaneously, capitalizing on the inherent couplings. In this work, we co-optimize the spacecraft's solar array size, thruster modes, and trajectory using a direct optimization, which allows for maximizing the net delivered mass. A particular challenge arises due to the existence of discrete operating modes. We proposed a method for smoothly selecting optimal operation modes among a set of finite possible modes. The utility of the proposed method is demonstrated successfully by solving a benchmark problem, i.e., the Earth to Comet 67P fixed-time rendezvous problem. The results indicate that utilizing multiple modes increases the net useful mass compared to a single mode and leads to a smaller solar array size for the spacecraft.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Saloglu, Keziban, Taheri, Ehsan
Institution: Auburn University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4402706143