Stabilization Strategy of Delta-V Assisted Periodic Orbits around Asteroids Based on an Augmented Monodromy Matrix

Abstract

Motion around small asteroids, given their weak gravity fields, is strongly affected by perturbation forces such as solar radiation pressure. Several types of orbits in such strongly perturbed environment have been proposed in past studies. However, these orbits usually have complex shapes and limited orbital geometries. To avoid these disadvantages, delta-V assisted periodic orbits (DVAPOs), which are made periodic by introducing a small impulsive delta-V within each period, are proposed. Stability analysis of DVAPOs is the main topic of this paper. The stability of DVAPOs can be analyzed by treating delta-V maneuvers as part of the natural motion and extending the conventional stability analysis method for natural periodic orbits. Moreover, the stability of feed-back controlled DVAPOs can also be discussed by introducing an augmented monodromy matrix. Based on an augmented monodromy matrix, stabilization strategies for DVAPOs are successfully established. Finally, the feasibility of a DVAPO for the Hayabusa 2 mission is shown.