Conceptual design of Electrodynamic Multi Tether system for self-propelled Jovian capture
DATE:
2021-07
UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER: http://hdl.handle.net/11093/5952
EDITED VERSION: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.04.031
UNESCO SUBJECT: 3324.05 Naves Espaciales
DOCUMENT TYPE: article
ABSTRACT
Space missions in the environments of the outer planets require a large amount of propellant or assistant flybys. Moreover, the quadratic decrease of the radiation intensity with the distance from the sun makes solar panels less convenient as power source. Electrodynamic tether (EDT) technology is receiving increasing attention since it allows for obtaining both power and propulsion profiting from the high magnetic field and plasma density in the proximity of the giant planets. In particular, it has been shown that a self-propelled vehicle with a single EDT could be captured by Jupiter, were it not for the relativistic effects in the electron collection and the overheating of the tether due to the interaction with the environment. Here, we show that a multi EDT (MEDT) propulsion system can be used to circumvent these limitations. The suitable number, shape, and length of the tethers, depending on the size of the vehicle, are selected by structural and thermal analysis. A possible MEDT-propelled mission to Jupiter is described, including the design of the interplanetary trajectory, the orbital insertion, and the subsequent orbits around the planet. The results obtained demonstrate that such a bare MEDT system is a feasible option to provide propulsion and power in outer planets environments.
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