NASA NTRS · 20000084166
Solar Sail Optimal Orbit Transfers to Synchronous Orbits
Abstract
A constant outward radial thrust acceleration can be used to reduce the radius of a circular orbit of specified period. Heliocentric circular orbits are designed to match the orbital period of Earth or Mars for various radial thrust accelerations and are defined as synchronous orbits. Minimum-time solar sail orbit transfers to these synchronous heliocentric orbits are presented.
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Powers, Robert B., Coverstone, Victoria, Prussing, John E., Lunney, Bryan C.. 1999-01-01. Solar Sail Optimal Orbit Transfers to Synchronous Orbits. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20000084166
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