Efficient gravity field computation for trajectory propagation near small bodies

Andrew Colombi, Anil N. Hirani, Benjamin F. Villac

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We present an approximation scheme for gravitational force near arbitrarily shaped small bodies. The approximation uses polynomial interpolation with an adaptive spatial data structure. This data structure allows us to drive errors in the model to within user defined thresholds. The result is a method that is expected to reduce the run time of trajectory integrations around small bodies without compromising accuracy. Our method is likely to provide a substantial improvement in the speed of Monte Carlo analysis of spacecraft motion in proximity to small bodies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Astronautical Society - Space Flight Mechanics 2007 - Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Proceedings of the AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
Pages1805-1824
Number of pages20
StatePublished - 2007
Event17th Annual Space Flight Mechanics Meeting - Sedona, AZ, United States
Duration: Jan 28 2007Feb 1 2007

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume127 PART 2
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Other

Other17th Annual Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySedona, AZ
Period1/28/072/1/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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