5 - Dynamics of passive object attitude motion during ion beam transportation

Abstract

A mechanical system consisting of an active spacecraft and a space debris object is considered taking into account its attitude motion. Mathematical models describing the motion of the mechanical system in the planar and spatial cases are developed. A simplified mathematical model describing 3D motion of an axisymmetric space debris object relative to its center of mass is developed, and possible stationary motions are found. The attitude motion of space debris in a circular orbit under the influence of an ion beam is studied. The control laws of the impulse transfer thruster thrust force and the ion beam axis direction, which ensure the transfer of the object to the equilibrium angular position, are developed. The chapter proposes a control law based on object’s energy estimation and aimed to transferring the object to the required angular motion mode. Finally, four attitude motion control strategies are considered and compared in terms of required fuel costs.