Abstract
Interplanetary spacecraft require precise predictions of their trajectory for achieving their mission targeting requirements. For the purpose of precise navigation, the detailed modeling of all small forces affecting the spacecraft’s orbital motion is necessary. The dominating small forces on an interplanetary trajectory are planetary gravity perturbations and Solar Radiation Pressure. In addition to these traditional perturbations, the Thermal Radiation Pressure induced by the spacecraft surfaces can be an appreciable small force. This study focuses on the precise thermal analysis of the external surfaces by using a numerical Finite Element Method on three actual ESA interplanetary spacecraft, i.e. Rosetta, Mars Express, and Venus Express. This paper also presents the evaluations of the accelerations due to the Thermal Radiation Pressure.
