In:
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 67, No. 4 ( 2020-12), p. 1391-1411
Kurzfassung:
We present the general concept of a telescope with optics and detectors mounted on two separate spacecrafts, in orbit around the telescope’s target (scopocentric or target-centric orbit), and using propulsion to maintain the Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance. Specifically, we study the case of such a telescope with the Sun as the target, orbiting at $\sim $ ∼ 1 AU. We present a simple differential acceleration budget for maintaining Target-Optics-Detector alignment and Optics-Detector distance, backed by simulations of the orbital dynamics, including solar radiation pressure and influence of the planets. Of prime interest are heliocentric orbits (such as Earth-trailing/leading orbits or Distant Retrograde Orbits), where thrust requirement to maintain formation is primarily in a single direction (either sunward or anti-sunward), can be quite minuscule (a few m/s/year), and preferably met by constant-thrust engines such as solar electric propulsion or even by solar sailing via simple extendable and/or orientable flaps or rudders.
Materialart:
Online-Ressource
ISSN:
0021-9142
,
2195-0571
DOI:
10.1007/s40295-020-00231-2
Sprache:
Englisch
Verlag:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publikationsdatum:
2020
ZDB Id:
2712368-6
