Magazine Article

Evaluating Descent and Ascent Trajectories Near Non-Spherical Bodies

TBMG-8726

11/01/2010

Abstract
Content

Spacecraft landing on small bodies pass through regions where conventional gravitation formulations using exterior spherical harmonics are inaccurate. An investigation shows that a formulation using interior solid spherical harmonics might be satisfactory. Interior spherical harmonic expansions are usable inside an imaginary, empty sphere. For this application, such a sphere could be positioned in empty space above the intended landing site and rotating with the body. When the spacecraft is inside this sphere, the interior harmonic expansion would be used instead of the conventional, exterior harmonic expansion.

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Citation
"Evaluating Descent and Ascent Trajectories Near Non-Spherical Bodies," Mobility Engineering, November 1, 2010.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Nov 1, 2010
Product Code
TBMG-8726
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English