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Mission Extension Using Sensitive Trajectories and Autonomous Control
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| The main objective of this proposal is to describe how to design new types of mission trajectory designs based upon the use of dynamically sensitive(chaotic) trajectories together with autonomous spacecraft control. This combination would produce new designs which would substantially increase mission duration and require little fuel in the process. Once recently discovered type of motion called ''quasi-stationary motion'' is a promising new development where a spacecraft remains nearly fixed relative to the earth in a large region of space, distinct from the Lagrange points-offering a number of new scientific applications. Such a motion is very sensitive and unstable, and autonomous control would likely be necessary in practice. This combination would increase mission duration substantially, and increase both data collection and scientific return. Another application is to a special class of lunar transfers already demonstrated in 1991 which require little fuel and are also dynamically sensitive. Autonomous control of such transfers would enhance the capabilities of the transfers with regards to mission duration, reliability, and scientific return. They would also increase the mass that could be brought to the Moon by a factor of two at a low cost. The methods that will be used in this proposal are to numerically simulate the given motions and the algorithms required for autonomous control. The algorithms will be designed to keep the spacecraft on their sensitive motions by using little fuel. As a result these algorithms will increase mission durations substantially. The proposed work would enhance space science productivity supporting the goals of OSS. The development of special algorithms to maintain autonomous control of dynamically sensitive trajectories would provide a novel way to increase the usefulness of missions and open new possibilities for mission designs. This supports the goals of NASA for the exploration of the solar system, and it also supports the new directive for NASA to return to the Moon. |
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