Dynamics of a Tethered Observatory at Jupiter

作者：Pelaez J^*; Bombardelli C; Scheeres D J

来源：Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 2012, 35(1): 195-207.

DOI：10.2514/1.53383

Outer planet exploration has always been handicapped by a scarcity of power. For a mission to Jupiter, any extra power will allow the use of instruments that normally cannot be deployed in space due to their high energy consumption. Electrodynamic tethers can be used in some missions to produce required levels of onboard energy. This paper describes the essential dynamical issues arising in the placement of a permanent observatory located at one of the four Jupiter inner moons (Metis, Adrastea, Amalthea, and Thebe) and sustained by an electrodynamic tether working in the generator regime. For the case of the two innermost moons, Metis and Adrastea, the electrodynamic tether will be deorbiting the moon by using its gravitational attraction while converting its mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be used onboard. Conversely, when placed in the vicinity of Amalthea or Thebe, the kinetic energy of Jupiter%26apos;s corotating plasma will be converted partly into onboard electrical energy and partly into mechanical energy of the moon. The aim of the work is to analyze the dynamical problem posed by such an observatory in both aspects: orbital and attitude dynamics.

• 出版日期2012-2