Date of Award

6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Carl R. Hartsfield, PhD

Abstract

This thesis involves theoretical and numerical analysis of trajectories off of cislunar orbits to determine the reachability and escape of various impulsive Δ→v. The research will propagate trajectories using three body dynamics from various orbit families around the Earth-Moon Lagrange points and find low energy transfers that escape the Earth-Moon system. In order to achieve this, various different nonlinear programming solvers in MATLAB will be used to explore low energy impulsive escape transfers from common cislunar orbit families given long periods of computation time. After many points on cislunar orbits are analyzed, the data will be analyzed to spot any trends in Δ→v that could lead to possible guidance for satellite disposal in heliocentric and other possible graveyard orbits for future cislunar missions. The goal is to analyze viability of nonlinear programming solvers in the CR3BP and to see the behavior of impulsive energy transfers and determine possible trajectories for use in Earth-Moon or heliocentric satellite disposal in the cislunar region.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-24-J-036

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Typography note: In the original abstract, → is directly above the v.

Related organizations and units for this Masters thesis:

  • Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA) at AFIT
  • Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RV)

Download

Share

COinS