Construction of Frozen Orbits Using Continuous Thrust Control Theories Considering Earth Oblateness and Solar Radiation Pressure Perturbations

The problem of the artificial frozen orbits around the Earth is investigated. To design such orbits with arbitrary orbital parameters, six control strategies are discussed taking into account the main zonal harmonics up to J4 and solar radiation pressure (SRP). The effect in the argument of periapsis due to the main zonal harmonics is revealed to be about three orders of magnitude greater than that of SRP. Two comparisons are given. To obtain longer lifespan of the spacecraft, continuous variable low-thrust control is implemented. Radial and/or transverse thrusts are used to achieve these orbits. Furthermore, explicit formulas for refinement of the control thrusts are given in order to overcome errors due to approximations arising from long and short periodic variations of a and e. Some concluding remarks can be inferred from the presented simulation; e.g. the energy consumed is saved efficiently when using the root mean squares rather than using averages, also when using coupled radial and transverse thrusts instead of using single radial or transverse thrust. To minimize the fuel consumption more efficiently, three new techniques are suggested. The calculations illustrated that AFOT-F Technique, where the transverse control thrust is constant, has the minimum control thrust required. © 2018, American Astronautical Society.