![]() Thoemel, Jan ![]() ![]() in CEAS Space Journal (2020) Autonomous formation flight enables new satellite missions for novel applications. The cost and limits of propulsion systems can be overcome if environmental resources are being benefitted of. Currently ... [more ▼] Autonomous formation flight enables new satellite missions for novel applications. The cost and limits of propulsion systems can be overcome if environmental resources are being benefitted of. Currently, atmospheric drag is used in low Earth orbit to this end. Solar radiation pressure, which is of similar order of magnitude as aerodynamic ram pressure, is, however, always neglected. We introduce this force and show that it can be exploited. We demonstrate through simulations that a formation geometry is established quicker if the solar radiation pressure is modeled. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 50 (0 UL)![]() Thoemel, Jan ![]() in CEAS Space Journal (2019), 11(2), 147--159 In preparation for the operations of the ALTIUS mission, research is carried out to assess the accuracy of the SGP4 orbital propagator in predicting stellar occultation events. The quantification of the ... [more ▼] In preparation for the operations of the ALTIUS mission, research is carried out to assess the accuracy of the SGP4 orbital propagator in predicting stellar occultation events. The quantification of the accuracy and its consequent improvement will enable reliable measurement planning and, therefore, maximize the number of measurements. To this end, predictions are made for the timing of occultations for the GOMOS instrument on-board the ENVISAT, which are then compared to actual occultation occurrences. It is found that the error is substantial but follows a trend that can be interpolated. This enables devising a method for highly accurate predictions given a sufficient number of data points. Statistically significant results for the accuracy of the propagator and a calibration method are presented. Recommendations for a measurement planning procedure of ALTIUS are formulated. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 3 (0 UL) |
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