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Accurate analytical approximation of asteroid deflection with constant tangential thrust

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Abstract

We present analytical formulas to estimate the variation of achieved deflection for an Earth-impacting asteroid following a continuous tangential low-thrust deflection strategy. Relatively simple analytical expressions are obtained with the aid of asymptotic theory and the use of Peláez orbital elements set, an approach that is particularly suitable to the asteroid deflection problem and is not limited to small eccentricities. The accuracy of the proposed formulas is evaluated numerically showing negligible error for both early and late deflection campaigns. The results will be of aid in planning future low-thrust asteroid deflection missions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Space Dynamics Group, School of Aeronautics, Technical University of Madrid, Plaza Cardenal Cisneros 3, Madrid, 28040, Spain

    Claudio Bombardelli

  2. Department of Industrial Engineering, CISAS, University of Padova, Via Venezia 13, Padua, Italy

    Giulio Baù

Authors
  1. Claudio Bombardelli
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  2. Giulio Baù
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Correspondence to Claudio Bombardelli.

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Bombardelli, C., Baù, G. Accurate analytical approximation of asteroid deflection with constant tangential thrust. Celest Mech Dyn Astr 114, 279–295 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10569-012-9440-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10569-012-9440-0

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