Combined Dynamics Theories Applied to Orbit and Attitude

Motion with Chaos

Combining dynamical systems theory (DST) with continuum mechanics may enable to trace fundamental structures of motion within chaotic orbit-attitude dynamics. DST can be readily applied to chaotic systems, but only under a number of restrictive assumptions. Concepts from continuum mechanics can link the DST framework with higher-fidelity models, such as those required to interpret the dynamics of natural bodies or to design space missions. Orbit-attitude dynamical structures are a key to understanding the motion of celestial objects and can be used to develop flight operation strategies in otherwise prohibitive dynamical conditions. Currently one research focus is the study of low-cost flight operations for a manned gateway in lunar multi-body orbit. This type of dynamical regime is a novel scenario in terms of GNC, both from the orbit and attitude motion perspective, and it requires further exploration. In addition to inhabited facilities in deep space, further research into orbit-attitude dynamics is related to the control of solar sails and fractionated space architectures.  

Figure: Schematics of an n-Torus structure that may represent bounded trajectories within chaotic dynamics.