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NASA NTRS · 20230010151

A New Eclipse Algorithm for use in Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization

Jacob Williams·Sarah L. Smallwood·David E. Lee·Maxon V. Widner
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Abstract

This paper presents a new eclipse algorithm, which determines if a spacecraft is in sunlight or shadow, that is simple to define, fast to compute, smooth and continuous in all regions external to the eclipsing body, and suitable for use in a spacecraft trajectory optimization problem. Details of the design evolution are presented, including the specifics of the algorithm's implementation in the trajectory design of NASA's Artemis I mission to a lunar DRO. Some alternate uses and discussion of future work is also presented.

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OrionArtemisArtemis ITrajectory OptimizationEclipseShadow Model

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Jacob Williams, Sarah L. Smallwood, David E. Lee, Maxon V. Widner. A New Eclipse Algorithm for use in Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230010151

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