AAS 98-104

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF THE AEROBRAKING TETHER FOR STOCHASTIC ERRORS

S. G. Tragesser, J. M. Longuski - Purdue University

Abstract

As an alternative to conventional aerobraking spacecraft, we propose a system comprised of a probe and an orbiter connected by a long, thin tether. The probe provides the necessary drag while the orbiter remains high above the sensible atmosphere. A sensitivity analysis of the aerobraking tether is performed where we consider errors in knowledge of the atmosphere and in control of the initial conditions. A simple guidance algorithm is developed in order to minimize the effect of off-nominal conditions. The final design achieves a 99% probability of mission success for aerocapture at Mars.

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