Ground base laser torque applied on LEO satellites of various geometries

0Citations
Citations of this article
6Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

This paper is devoted to investigate the feasibility of using a medium power ground-based laser to produce a torque on LEO satellites of various shapes. The laser intensity delivered to a satellite is calculated using a simple model of laser propagation in which a standard atmospheric condition and linear atmospheric interaction mechanism is assumed. The laser force is formulated using a geocentric equatorial system in which the Earth is an oblate spheroid. The torque is formulated for a cylindrical satellite, spherical satellites and for satellites of complex shape. The torque algorithm is implemented for some sun synchronous low Earth orbit cubesats. Based on satellites perigee height, the results demonstrate that laser torque affecting on a cubesat has a maximum value in the order of 10-9 which is comparable with that of solar radiation. However, it has a minimum value in the order of 10-10 which is comparable with that of gravity gradient. Moreover, the results clarify the dependency of the laser torque on the orbital eccentricity. As the orbit becomes more circular it will experience less torque. So, we can conclude that the ground based laser torque has a significant contribution on the low Earth orbit cubesats. It can be adjusted to obtain the required control torque and it can be used as an active attitude control system for cubesats. © The Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Khalifa, N. S. (2012). Ground base laser torque applied on LEO satellites of various geometries. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, 13(4), 484–490. https://doi.org/10.5139/IJASS.2012.13.4.484

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free