Non-Keplerian orbits

Abstract

When designing future missions, the engineer’s imagination is limited by inevitable real-world constraints. For example, the propulsion system to be used will have a given specific impulse and so, for a finite propellant mass, will provide some total Δv. In addition, to achieve the desired mission goals a trajectory will be designed which fits within the envelope of the Δv; available from the propulsion system. For solar sails, however, the propulsion system has in principle infinite specific impulse, freeing the engineer to consider new means of attaining mission goals. Furthermore, with high-performance solar sails, a potentially infinite specific impulse is combined with an acceleration of the same order as the local solar gravitational acceleration. With such tools at their disposal, engineers can consider novel forms of orbital acrobatics, again allowing new means of attaining mission goals.