Stefano Casotto

Mission to Mars using integrated propulsion concepts: considerations, opportunities, and strategies

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of a mission to Mars using the Integrated Propulsion Systems (IPS) which means to couple Nuclear-MPD-ISPU propulsion systems. In particular both mission analysis and propulsion aspects are analyzed together with technological aspects. Identifying possible mission scenarios will lead to the study of possible strategies for Mars Exploration and also of methods for reducing cost. As regard to IPS, the coupling between Nuclear Propulsion (Rubbias engine) and Superconductive MPD propulsion is considered for the Earth-Mars trajectories: major emphasis is given to the advantages of such a system. The In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) concerns on-Mars operations; In Situ Propellant Utilization (ISPU) is foreseen particularly for LOX-CH4 engines for Mars Ascent Vehicles and this possibility is analyzed from a technological point of view. Tether Systems are also considered during interplanetary trajectories and as space elevators on Mars orbit. Finally strategic considerations associated to this mission are considered also.

The gravitational perturbation spectrum in linear satellite theory

A new method for calculating the perturbation spectrum in the framework of Kaulas linear satellite theory (LST) is introduced. The novelty of this approach consists in using recent results on the spectral decomposition of the perturbation frequencies in LST to provide a closed formulation for the amplitude and the phase of each line in the perturbation spectrum. The theory presented here can be applied to perturbations in the elements or in the radial and transverse directions due to the geopotential or to the tides. Separate algorithms are developed for application to orbits with circulating or frozen perigee.

The equations of motion of a secularly precessing elliptical orbit

The equations of motion of a secularly precessing ellipse are developed using time as the independent variable. The equations are useful when integrating numerically the perturbations about a reference trajectory which is subject to secular perturbations in the node, the argument of pericenter and the mean motion. Usually this is done in connection with Enckes method to ensure minimal rectification frequency. Similar equations are already available in the literature, but they are either given based on the true anomaly as the independent variable, or in mixed mode with respect to the time through the use of a supporting equation to track the anomaly. The equations developed here form a complete and independent set of six equations in the time. Reformulations both of Escobals and Kyner and Bennetts equations are also provided which lead to a more concise form.

On the Expansion of the External Gravitational Potential in Spheroidal Harmonics

The expansion of the external gravitational potential of solid, irregular bodies of non-near spherical shape in terms of Spheroidal Harmonics is introduced as a way to minimize the divergence region, or Brillouin sphere, associated with the use of the more usual Spherical Harmonics. A method for the numerical evaluation of the spheroidal Stokes coefficients is proposed.