Stability analysis of coupled orbit-attitude dynamics around asteroids using finite-time Lyapunov exponents

Shota Kikuchi, Yuichi Tsuda, Makoto Yoshikawa, Kawaguchi Jun'ichiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper investigates coupled orbit-attitude dynamics around asteroids subject to solar radiation pressure and gravity irregularities. The solutions of sun-synchronous orbits with sun-tracking attitude motion are analytically derived, and their stability is evaluated by applying linearization and averaging. To validate the analytical solutions, numerical simulations are performed based on nonlinear coupled orbit-attitude equations of motion. In addition, the nonlinear stability of such coupled motion is analyzed using finite-time Lyapunov exponents. It is demonstrated that the sun-synchronous orbit-attitude coupled motions exhibit long-term stability under certain conditions, and thus, these motions are promising options for asteroid missions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1289-1305
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Applied Mathematics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Stability analysis of coupled orbit-attitude dynamics around asteroids using finite-time Lyapunov exponents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this