Frequent Deep-Space Access Strategy for Venus Aeronomic Exploration Mission using Earth-Synchronous Orbits

Ito, Daichi; Pushparaj, Nishanth; Kawakatsu, Yasuhiro

Abstract

Geostationary transfer orbits (GTO) are earth-centric orbits widely used for kick-stage operations of satellites for deep space exploration missions. A rideshare spacecraft parked or deployed in GTOs usually requires minimal transfer cost compared to transfers from Low Earth Orbits or High Earth Orbits. Parking GTOs and the launch timings of rideshare missions typically rely on the primary space mission that carried the rideshare spacecraft. This work explores a transfer strategy that uses Earth-Synchronous Orbits (ESO) with 1:1 resonance with Earth's period to coordinate the rideshare spacecraft's departure time to Venus. ESO enables the rideshare spacecraft to orient the velocity direction by introducing a series of Earth gravity assists. This work utilizes the ESOs to reduce the ∆V required for transferring the spacecraft to Venus. Thus, enabling expanded transfer windows of launch opportunities to explore deep space. In this work, we discuss the feasibility of utilizing ESOs to transfer rideshare spacecraft to Venus.

• Conference Name: 74th International Astronautical Congress. Symposium B4. 30th IAA SYMPOSIUM ON SMALL SATELLITE MISSIONS
• Conference Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
• Start Date: Oct 2, 2023
• End Date: Oct 6, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Sep 15, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-10
• Deposit Date: Nov 1, 2023
• Keywords: Venus Exploration; Geostationary Transfer Orbit; Earth-Synchronous Orbits; Interplanetary Trajectory; Deep- Space
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/26804111
• Publisher URL: https://dl.iafastro.directory/event/IAC-2023/paper/79468/
• Additional Information: Paper originally presented at the 74th International Astronautical Congress, 2-6 October 2023, Baku, Azerbaijan.; ; IAC-23-B4.8.7x79468