Optimal spin rate control of a spinning solar sail for the maximum-radius orbit transfer problem

Abstract

The attitude and orbit of a spinning solar sail can be controlled by the spin rate of the spacecraft. In this paper, an optimal spin rate control law of a spinning solar sail for the maximum-radius orbit transfer problem is derived. An optimal control problem is solved analytically and numerically, and the comparison of the analytical and numerical solutions proves their validity. The control method proposed in this paper extends the possibilities of spinning solar sails. Show more