Expanding Interplanetary Transfer Opportunities from Geostationary Transfer Orbits via Earth Synchronous Orbits

Ito, Daichi; Pushparaj, Nishanth; Kawakatsu, Yasuhiro

Abstract

Geostationary transfer orbits (GTOs) are geocentric orbits widely considered for kick-stage operations of satellites for deep space missions. A piggyback spacecraft departing from GTOs requires a low transfer cost. The type of GTO and launch timings of piggyback missions, on the other hand, are typically determined by the primary mission that carried the piggyback spacecraft. This research introduces a new transfer strategy that coordinates piggyback spacecraft’s departure timing from Earth to deep space via an Earth synchronous orbit (ESO) after departure from a GTO. It also enables the spacecraft to change its velocity direction by introducing Earth gravity assists. Connecting several GTOs and interplanetary trajectories via ESOs reduces the ΔV required for the transfers. It leads to using transfer opportunities previously considered unsuitable for missions or miniaturizing the kick motor. As a result, ESOs allow for a broader launch opportunity for deep space piggyback probes. In addition, the feasibility of ESOs is shown numerically by comparing direct and ESO-assisted transfers from GTOs to Mars with the required ΔV.

Citation

Ito, D., Pushparaj, N., & Kawakatsu, Y. (2022). Expanding Interplanetary Transfer Opportunities from Geostationary Transfer Orbits via Earth Synchronous Orbits. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 60(1), 79-94. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35270

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 3, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 29, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 29, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 29, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
• Print ISSN: 0022-4650
• Electronic ISSN: 1533-6794
• Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 79-94
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35270
• Keywords: Space and Planetary Science; Aerospace Engineering
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/11463006
• Publisher URL: https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.A35270