@incollection{DachwaldUlamecBiele2013, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ulamec, Stephan and Biele, Jens}, title = {Clean in situ subsurface exploration of icy environments in the solar system}, series = {Habitability of other planets and satellites. - (Cellular origin, life in extreme habitats and astrobiology ; 28)}, booktitle = {Habitability of other planets and satellites. - (Cellular origin, life in extreme habitats and astrobiology ; 28)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, isbn = {978-94-007-6545-0 (Druckausgabe)}, pages = {367 -- 397}, year = {2013}, abstract = {"To assess the habitability of the icy environments in the solar system, for example, on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus, the scientific analysis of material embedded in or underneath their ice layers is very important. We consider self-steering robotic ice melting probes to be the best method to cleanly access these environments, that is, in compliance with planetary protection standards. The required technologies are currently developed and tested."}, language = {en} } @article{KraemerDaabMuelleretal.2013, author = {Kr{\"a}mer, Stefan and Daab, Dominique Jonas and M{\"u}ller, Brigitte and Wagner, Tobias and Baader, Fabian and Hessel, Joana and Gdalewitsch, Georg and Plescher, Engelbert and Dachwald, Bernd and Wahle, Michael and Gierse, Andreas and Vetter, Rudolf and Pf{\"u}tzenreuter, Lysan}, title = {Development and flight-testing of a system to isolate vibrations for microgravity experiments on sounding rockets}, series = {21st ESA Symposium on Rocket and Balloon Research}, journal = {21st ESA Symposium on Rocket and Balloon Research}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2013}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KonstantinidisDachwaldOhndorfetal.2013, author = {Konstantinidis, K. and Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, A. and Dykta, P. and Voigt, K. and F{\"o}rstner, R.}, title = {Enceladus explorer (ENEX): A lander mission to probe subglacial water pockets on Saturn's moon enceladus for life}, series = {64th International Astronautical Congress 2013 (IAC 2013) : Beijing, China, 23 - 27 September 2013. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 2)}, booktitle = {64th International Astronautical Congress 2013 (IAC 2013) : Beijing, China, 23 - 27 September 2013. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 2)}, publisher = {Curran}, address = {Red Hook, NY}, organization = {International Astronautical Congress <64, 2013, Beijing>}, isbn = {978-1-62993-909-4}, pages = {1340 -- 1350}, year = {2013}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DupratDachwaldHilchenbachetal.2013, author = {Duprat, J. and Dachwald, Bernd and Hilchenbach, M. and Engrand, Cecile and Espe, C. and Feldmann, M. and Francke, G. and G{\"o}r{\"o}g, Mark and L{\"u}sing, N. and Langenhorst, Falko}, title = {The MARVIN project: a micrometeorite harvester in Antarctic snow}, series = {44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference}, booktitle = {44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference}, year = {2013}, abstract = {MARVIN is an automated drilling and melting probe dedicated to collect pristine interplanetary dust particles (micrometeorites) from central Antarctica snow.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldFeldmannEspeetal.2012, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Feldmann, Marco and Espe, Clemens and Plescher, Engelbert and Konstantinidis, K. and Forstner, R.}, title = {Enceladus explorer - A maneuverable subsurface probe for autonomous navigation through deep ice}, series = {63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012; Naples; Italy; 1 October 2012 through 5 October 2012. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 3)}, booktitle = {63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012; Naples; Italy; 1 October 2012 through 5 October 2012. (Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC ; 3)}, publisher = {Curran}, address = {Red Hook, NY}, organization = {International Astronautical Congress <63, 2012, Napoli>}, isbn = {978-1-62276-979-7}, pages = {1756 -- 1766}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @incollection{BorggrafeOhndorfDachwaldetal.2012, author = {Borggrafe, Andreas and Ohndorf, Andreas and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang}, title = {Analysis of interplanetary solar sail trajectories with attitude dynamics}, series = {Dynamics and Control of Space Systems 2012}, booktitle = {Dynamics and Control of Space Systems 2012}, publisher = {Univelt Inc}, address = {San Diego}, isbn = {978-0-87703-587-9}, pages = {1553 -- 1569}, year = {2012}, abstract = {We present a new approach to the problem of optimal control of solar sails for low-thrust trajectory optimization. The objective was to find the required control torque magnitudes in order to steer a solar sail in interplanetary space. A new steering strategy, controlling the solar sail with generic torques applied about the spacecraft body axes, is integrated into the existing low-thrust trajectory optimization software InTrance. This software combines artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms to find steering strategies close to the global optimum without an initial guess. Furthermore, we implement a three rotational degree-of-freedom rigid-body attitude dynamics model to represent the solar sail in space. Two interplanetary transfers to Mars and Neptune are chosen to represent typical future solar sail mission scenarios. The results found with the new steering strategy are compared to the existing reference trajectories without attitude dynamics. The resulting control torques required to accomplish the missions are investigated, as they pose the primary requirements to a real on-board attitude control system.}, language = {en} } @article{LoebSchartnerDachwaldetal.2012, author = {Loeb, Horst Wolfgang and Schartner, Karl-Heinz and Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, Andreas and Seboldt, Wolfgang}, title = {Interstellar heliopause probe}, series = {Труды МАИ}, journal = {Труды МАИ}, number = {60}, publisher = {Moskauer Staatliches Luftfahrtinstitut (МАИ)}, address = {Moskau}, pages = {2 -- 2}, year = {2012}, abstract = {There is common agreement within the scientific community that in order to understand our local galactic environment it will be necessary to send a spacecraft into the region beyond the solar wind termination shock. Considering distances of 200 AU for a new mission, one needs a spacecraft traveling at a speed of close to 10 AU/yr in order to keep the mission duration in the range of less than 25 yrs, a transfer time postulated by European Space Agency (ESA). Two propulsion options for the mission have been proposed and discussed so far: the solar sail propulsion and the ballistic/radioisotope-electric propulsion (REP). As a further alternative, we here investigate a combination of solar-electric propulsion (SEP) and REP. The SEP stage consists of six 22-cms diameter RIT-22 ion thrusters working with a high specific impulse of 7377 s corresponding to a positive grid voltage of 5 kV. Solar power of 53 kW at begin of mission (BOM) is provided by a lightweight solar array.}, language = {en} } @article{ScholzRomagnoliDachwaldetal.2011, author = {Scholz, Christina and Romagnoli, Daniele and Dachwald, Bernd and Theil, Stephan}, title = {Performance analysis of an attitude control system for solar sails using sliding masses}, series = {Advances in Space Research}, volume = {48}, journal = {Advances in Space Research}, number = {11}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0273-1177}, pages = {1822 -- 1835}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldWurm2011, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Wurm, Patrick}, title = {Mission analysis and performance comparison for an Advanced Solar Photon Thruster}, series = {Advances in Space Research}, volume = {48}, journal = {Advances in Space Research}, number = {11}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0273-1177}, pages = {1858 -- 1868}, year = {2011}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldXuFeldmannetal.2011, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Xu, Changsheng and Feldmann, Marco and Plescher, Engelbert}, title = {IceMole : Development of a novel subsurface ice probe and testing of the first prototype on the Morteratsch Glacier}, series = {EGU General Assembly 2011 Vienna | Austria | 03 - 08 April 2011}, booktitle = {EGU General Assembly 2011 Vienna | Austria | 03 - 08 April 2011}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We present the novel concept of a combined drilling and melting probe for subsurface ice research. This probe, named "IceMole", is currently developed, built, and tested at the FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences' Astronautical Laboratory. Here, we describe its first prototype design and report the results of its field tests on the Swiss Morteratsch glacier. Although the IceMole design is currently adapted to terrestrial glaciers and ice shields, it may later be modified for the subsurface in-situ investigation of extraterrestrial ice, e.g., on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. If life exists on those bodies, it may be present in the ice (as life can also be found in the deep ice of Earth).}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LoebSchartnerDachwaldetal.2011, author = {Loeb, Horst W. and Schartner, Karl-Heinz and Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, Andreas and Seboldt, Wolfgang}, title = {An Interstellar - Heliopause mission using a combination of solar/radioisotope electric propulsion}, series = {Presented at the 32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, booktitle = {Presented at the 32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, pages = {1 -- 7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {There is common agreement within the scientific community that in order to understand our local galactic environment it will be necessary to send a spacecraft into the region beyond the solar wind termination shock. Considering distances of 200 AU for a new mission, one needs a spacecraft travelling at a speed of close to 10 AU/yr in order to keep the mission duration in the range of less than 25 yrs, a transfer time postulated by ESA.Two propulsion options for the mission have been proposed and discussed so far: the solar sail propulsion and the ballistic/radioisotope electric propulsion. As a further alternative, we here investigate a combination of solar-electric propulsion and radioisotope-electric propulsion. The solar-electric propulsion stage consists of six 22 cm diameter "RIT-22"ion thrusters working with a high specific impulse of 7377 s corresponding to a positive grid voltage of 5 kV. Solar power of 53 kW BOM is provided by a light-weight solar array. The REP-stage consists of four space-proven 10 cm diameter "RIT-10" ion thrusters that will be operating one after the other for 9 yrs in total. Four advanced radioisotope generators provide 648 W at BOM. The scientific instrument package is oriented at earlier studies. For its mass and electric power requirement 35 kg and 35 W are assessed, respectively. Optimized trajectory calculations, treated in a separate contribution, are based on our "InTrance" method.The program yields a burn out of the REP stage in a distance of 79.6 AU for a usage of 154 kg of Xe propellant. With a C3 = 45,1 (km/s)2 a heliocentric probe velocity of 10 AU/yr is reached at this distance, provided a close Jupiter gravity assist adds a velocity increment of 2.7 AU/yr. A transfer time of 23.8 yrs results for this scenario requiring about 450 kg Xe for the SEP stage, jettisoned at 3 AU. We interpret the SEP/REP propulsion as a competing alternative to solar sail and ballistic/REP propulsion. Omiting a Jupiter fly-by even allows more launch flexibility, leaving the mission duration in the range of the ESA specification.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{OhndorfDachwaldSeboldtetal.2011, author = {Ohndorf, Andreas and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Schartner, Karl-Heinz}, title = {Flight times to the heliopause using a combination of solar and radioisotope electric propulsion}, series = {32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, booktitle = {32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2011}, abstract = {We investigate the interplanetary flight of a low-thrust space probe to the heliopause,located at a distance of about 200 AU from the Sun. Our goal was to reach this distance within the 25 years postulated by ESA for such a mission (which is less ambitious than the 15-year goal set by NASA). Contrary to solar sail concepts and combinations of allistic and electrically propelled flight legs, we have investigated whether the set flight time limit could also be kept with a combination of solar-electric propulsion and a second, RTG-powered upper stage. The used ion engine type was the RIT-22 for the first stage and the RIT-10 for the second stage. Trajectory optimization was carried out with the low-thrust optimization program InTrance, which implements the method of Evolutionary Neurocontrol,using Artificial Neural Networks for spacecraft steering and Evolutionary Algorithms to optimize the Neural Networks' parameter set. Based on a parameter space study, in which the number of thrust units, the unit's specific impulse, and the relative size of the solar power generator were varied, we have chosen one configuration as reference. The transfer time of this reference configuration was 29.6 years and the fastest one, which is technically more challenging, still required 28.3 years. As all flight times of this parameter study were longer than 25 years, we further shortened the transfer time by applying a launcher-provided hyperbolic excess energy up to 49 km2/s2. The resulting minimal flight time for the reference configuration was then 27.8 years. The following, more precise optimization to a launch with the European Ariane 5 ECA rocket reduced the transfer time to 27.5 years. This is the fastest mission design of our study that is flexible enough to allow a launch every year. The inclusion of a fly-by at Jupiter finally resulted in a flight time of 23.8 years,which is below the set transfer-time limit. However, compared to the 27.5-year transfer,this mission design has a significantly reduced launch window and mission flexibility if the escape direction is restricted to the heliosphere's "nose".}, language = {en} } @article{ScholzLeyDachwaldetal.2010, author = {Scholz, A. and Ley, Wilfried and Dachwald, Bernd and Miau, J. J. and Juang, J. C.}, title = {Flight results of the COMPASS-1 picosatellite mission}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 67 (2010), H. 9-10}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 67 (2010), H. 9-10}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {1289 -- 1298}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @article{MaiwaldDachwald2010, author = {Maiwald, Volker and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Mission Design for a Multiple-Rendezvous Mission to Jupiter's Trojans}, pages = {3}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @article{LeimenaArtmannDachwaldetal.2010, author = {Leimena, W. and Artmann, Gerhard and Dachwald, Bernd and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Gossmann, Matthias and Digel, Ilya}, title = {Feasibility of an in-situ microbial decontamination of an ice-melting probe}, series = {Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal. 12 (2010), H. 2}, journal = {Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal. 12 (2010), H. 2}, isbn = {1562-3920}, pages = {145 -- 150}, year = {2010}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BorggraefeDachwald2010, author = {Borggr{\"a}fe, Andreas and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Mission performance evaluation for solar sails using a refined SRP force model with variable optical coefficients}, series = {2nd International Symposium on Solar Sailing}, booktitle = {2nd International Symposium on Solar Sailing}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Solar sails provide ignificant advantages over other low-thrust propulsion systems because they produce thrust by the momentum exchange from solar radiation pressure (SRP) and thus do not consume any propellant.The force exerted on a very thin sail foil basically depends on the light incidence angle. Several analytical SRP force models that describe the SRP force acting on the sail have been established since the 1970s. All the widely used models use constant optical force coefficients of the reflecting sail material. In 2006,MENGALI et al. proposed a refined SRP force model that takes into account the dependancy of the force coefficients on the light incident angle,the sail's distance from the sun (and thus the sail emperature) and the surface roughness of the sail material [1]. In this paper, the refined SRP force model is compared to the previous ones in order to identify the potential impact of the new model on the predicted capabilities of solar sails in performing low-cost interplanetary space missions. All force models have been implemented within InTrance, a global low-thrust trajectory optimization software utilizing evolutionary neurocontrol [2]. Two interplanetary rendezvous missions, to Mercury and the near-Earth asteroid 1996FG3, are investigated. Two solar sail performances in terms of characteristic acceleration are examined for both scenarios, 0.2 mm/s2 and 0.5 mm/s2, termed "low" and "medium" sail performance. In case of the refined SRP model, three different values of surface roughness are chosen, h = 0 nm, 10 nm and 25 nm. The results show that the refined SRP force model yields shorter transfer times than the standard model.}, language = {en} } @incollection{Dachwald2010, author = {Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Solar sail dynamics and control}, series = {Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering}, booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, doi = {10.1002/9780470686652.eae292}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Solar sails are large and lightweight reflective structures that are propelled by solar radiation pressure. This chapter covers their orbital and attitude dynamics and control. First, the advantages and limitations of solar sails are discussed and their history and development status is outlined. Because the dynamics of solar sails is governed by the (thermo-)optical properties of the sail film, the basic solar radiation pressure force models have to be described and compared before parameters to measure solar sail performance can be defined. The next part covers the orbital dynamics of solar sails for heliocentric motion, planetocentric motion, and motion at Lagrangian equilibrium points. Afterwards, some advanced solar radiation pressure force models are described, which allow to quantify the thrust force on solar sails of arbitrary shape, the effects of temperature, of light incidence angle, of surface roughness, and the effects of optical degradation of the sail film in the space environment. The orbital motion of a solar sail is strongly coupled to its rotational motion, so that the attitude control of these soft and flexible structures is very challenging, especially for planetocentric orbits that require fast attitude maneuvers. Finally, some potential attitude control methods are sketched and selection criteria are given.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldOhndorfGill2009, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, A. and Gill, E.}, title = {Optimization of low-thrust Earth-Moon transfers using evolutionary neurocontrol / Ohndorf, A. ; Dachwald, B. ; Gill, E.}, series = {IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2009. CEC '09.}, journal = {IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2009. CEC '09.}, isbn = {978-1-4244-2958-5}, pages = {358 -- 364}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldCarnelliVasile2009, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Carnelli, Ian and Vasile, Massimiliano}, title = {Evolutionary Neurocontrol: A Novel Method for Low-Thrust Gravity-Assist Trajectory Optimization / Carnelli, Ian ; Dachwald, Bernd ; Vasile, Massimiliano}, series = {Journal of guidance control and dynamics. 32 (2009), H. 2}, journal = {Journal of guidance control and dynamics. 32 (2009), H. 2}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, isbn = {0731-5090}, pages = {616 -- 625}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldBallUlamecetal.2009, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ball, Andrew J. and Ulamec, Stephan and Price, Michael E.}, title = {A small mission for in situ exploration of a primitive binary near-Earth asteroid / Ball, Andrew J. ; Ulamec, Stephan ; Dachwald, Bernd ; Price, Michael E. ; [u.a.]}, series = {Advances in Space Research. 43 (2009), H. 2}, journal = {Advances in Space Research. 43 (2009), H. 2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {0273-1177}, pages = {317 -- 324}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{DigelDachwaldArtmannetal.2009, author = {Digel, Ilya and Dachwald, Bernd and Artmann, Gerhard and Linder, Peter and Funke, O.}, title = {A concept of a probe for particle analysis and life detection in icy environments}, pages = {1 -- 24}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GehlerOberBloebaumDachwald2009, author = {Gehler, M. and Ober-Bl{\"o}baum, S. and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Application of discrete mechanics and optimal control to spacecraft in non-keplerian motion around small solar system bodies}, series = {Procceedings of the 60th International Astronautical Congress}, booktitle = {Procceedings of the 60th International Astronautical Congress}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {978-161567908-9}, pages = {1360 -- 1371}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Prolonged operations close to small solar system bodies require a sophisticated control logic to minimize propellant mass and maximize operational efficiency. A control logic based on Discrete Mechanics and Optimal Control (DMOC) is proposed and applied to both conventionally propelled and solar sail spacecraft operating at an arbitrarily shaped asteroid in the class of Itokawa. As an example, stand-off inertial hovering is considered, recently identified as a challenging part of the Marco Polo mission. The approach is easily extended to stand-off orbits. We show that DMOC is applicable to spacecraft control at small objects, in particular with regard to the fact that the changes in gravity are exploited by the algorithm to optimally control the spacecraft position. Furthermore, we provide some remarks on promising developments.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldWurm2009, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Wurm, P.}, title = {Design concept and modeling of an advanced solar photon thruster}, series = {Advances in the Astronautical Sciences}, booktitle = {Advances in the Astronautical Sciences}, publisher = {American Astronautical Society}, address = {San Diego, Calif.}, isbn = {978-087703554-1}, issn = {00653438}, pages = {723 -- 740}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The so-called "compound solar sail", also known as "Solar Photon Thruster" (SPT), holds the potential of providing significant performance advantages over the flat solar sail. Previous SPT design concepts, however, do not consider shadowing effects and multiple reflections of highly concentrated solar radiation that would inevitably destroy the gossamer sail film. In this paper, we propose a novel advanced SPT (ASPT) design concept that does not suffer from these oversimplifications. We present the equations that describe the thrust force acting on such a sail system and compare its performance with respect to the conventional flat solar sail.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldWurm2009, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Wurm, P.}, title = {Mission analysis for an advanced solar photon thruster}, series = {60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009}, volume = {Vol. 8}, booktitle = {60th International Astronautical Congress 2009, IAC 2009}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {978-161567908-9}, pages = {6838 -- 6851}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The so-called "compound solar sail", also known as "Solar Photon Thruster" (SPT), is a solar sail design concept, for which the two basic functions of the solar sail, namely light collection and thrust direction, are uncoupled. In this paper, we introduce a novel SPT concept, termed the Advanced Solar Photon Thruster (ASPT). This model does not suffer from the simplified assumptions that have been made for the analysis of compound solar sails in previous studies. We present the equations that describe the force, which acts on the ASPT. After a detailed design analysis, the performance of the ASPT with respect to the conventional flat solar sail (FSS) is investigated for three interplanetary mission scenarios: An Earth-Venus rendezvous, where the solar sail has to spiral towards the Sun, an Earth-Mars rendezvous, where the solar sail has to spiral away from the Sun, and an Earth-NEA rendezvous (to near-Earth asteroid 1996FG3), where a large orbital eccentricity change is required. The investigated solar sails have realistic near-term characteristic accelerations between 0.1 and 0.2mm/s2. Our results show that a SPT is not superior to the flat solar sail unless very idealistic assumptions are made.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchartnerLoebDachwaldetal.2009, author = {Schartner, Karl-Heinz and Loeb, H. W. and Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, Andreas}, title = {Perspectives of electric propulsion for outer planetary and deep space missions}, series = {European Planetary Science Congress 2009}, booktitle = {European Planetary Science Congress 2009}, pages = {416 -- 416}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Solar-electric propulsion (SEP) is superior with respect to payload capacity, flight time and flexible launch window to the conventional interplanetary transfer method using chemical propulsion combined with gravity assists. This fact results from the large exhaust velocities of electric low-thrust propulsion and is favourable also for missions to the giant planets, Kuiper-belt objects and even for a heliopause probe (IHP) as shown in three studies by the authors funded by DLR. They dealt with a lander for Europa and a sample return mission from a mainbelt asteroid [1], with the TANDEM mission [2]; the third recent one investigates electric propulsion for the transfer to the edge of the solar system. All studies are based on triple-junction solar arrays, on rf-ion thrusters of the qualified RIT-22 type and they use the intelligent trajectory optimization program InTrance [3].}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SpurmannOhndorfDachwaldetal.2009, author = {Spurmann, J{\"o}rn and Ohndorf, Andreas and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang and L{\"o}b, Horst and Schartner, Karl-Heinz}, title = {Interplanetary trajectory optimization for a sep mission to Saturn}, series = {60th International Astronautical Congress 2009}, booktitle = {60th International Astronautical Congress 2009}, isbn = {9781615679089}, pages = {5234 -- 5248}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The recently proposed NASA and ESA missions to Saturn and Jupiter pose difficult tasks to mission designers because chemical propulsion scenarios are not capable of transferring heavy spacecraft into the outer solar system without the use of gravity assists. Thus our developed mission scenario based on the joint NASA/ESA Titan Saturn System Mission baselines solar electric propulsion to improve mission flexibility and transfer time. For the calculation of near-globally optimal low-thrust trajectories, we have used a method called Evolutionary Neurocontrol, which is implemented in the low-thrust trajectory optimization software InTrance. The studied solar electric propulsion scenario covers trajectory optimization of the interplanetary transfer including variations of the spacecraft's thrust level, the thrust unit's specific impulse and the solar power generator power level. Additionally developed software extensions enabled trajectory optimization with launcher-provided hyperbolic excess energy, a complex solar power generator model and a variable specific impulse ion engine model. For the investigated mission scenario, Evolutionary Neurocontrol yields good optimization results, which also hold valid for the more elaborate spacecraft models. Compared to Cassini/Huygens, the best found solutions have faster transfer times and a higher mission flexibility in general.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldSeboldtLoebetal.2008, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W. and Loeb, H. W and Schartner, K.-H.}, title = {Main Belt Asteroid Sample Return Mission Using Solar Electric Propulsion}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 63 (2008), H. 1-4}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 63 (2008), H. 1-4}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {91 -- 101}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldSeboldt2008, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W.}, title = {Solar Sails — Propellantless Propulsion for Near- and Medium-Term Deep-Space Missions / W. Seboldt ; B. Dachwald}, series = {Advanced Propulsion Systems and Technologies, Today to 2020 / Claudio Bruno (ed.) ... - (Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics Series ; 223)}, journal = {Advanced Propulsion Systems and Technologies, Today to 2020 / Claudio Bruno (ed.) ... - (Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics Series ; 223)}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, isbn = {978-1-56347-929-8}, pages = {460 S.}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldSeboldtLaemmerzahl2008, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W. and L{\"a}mmerzahl, W.}, title = {Solar Sail Propulsion: An Enabling Technology for Fundamental Physics Missions}, series = {Lasers, Clocks and Drag Free Control : Exploration of Relativistic Gravity in Space / by Hansj{\"o}rg Dittus ..., eds. - ( Astrophysics and Space Science Library ; 349)}, journal = {Lasers, Clocks and Drag Free Control : Exploration of Relativistic Gravity in Space / by Hansj{\"o}rg Dittus ..., eds. - ( Astrophysics and Space Science Library ; 349)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin [u.a.]}, isbn = {978-3-540-34376-9}, pages = {379 -- 398}, year = {2008}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldOhndorf2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, A.}, title = {1st ACT Global Trajectory Optimisation Competition : Results found at DLR}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 61 (2007), H. 9}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 61 (2007), H. 9}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {742 -- 752}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMcDonaldMcInnesetal.2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and McDonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R. and Mengali, Giovanni}, title = {Impact of Optical Degradation on Solar Sail Mission Performance}, series = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, journal = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, isbn = {0022-4650}, pages = {740 -- 749}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldWi2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Wi, Bong}, title = {Solar Sail Kinetic Energy Impactor Trajectory Optimization for an Asteroid-Deflection Mission}, series = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, journal = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 4}, isbn = {0022-4650}, pages = {755 -- 764}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMengaliQuartaetal.2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mengali, Giovanni and Quarta, Alessandro A. and Circi, Christian}, title = {Refined Solar Sail Force Model with Mission Application / Giovanni Mengali ; Alessandro A. Quarta , Christian Circi ; Bernd Dachwald}, series = {Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics. 30 (2007), H. 2}, journal = {Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics. 30 (2007), H. 2}, isbn = {0162-3192}, pages = {512 -- 520}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMacDonaldMcInnes2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and MacDonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R.}, title = {Heliocentric Solar Sail Orbit Transfers with Locally Optimal Control Laws / Malcolm Macdonald ; Colin McInnes ; Bernd Dachwald}, series = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 1}, journal = {Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 44 (2007), H. 1}, isbn = {0022-4650}, pages = {273 -- 276}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldCarnelliVasile2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Carnelli, I. and Vasile, M.}, title = {Optimizing low-thrust gravity assist interplanetary trajectories using evolutionary neurocontrollers / I. Carnelli ; B. Dachwald ; M. Vasile}, series = {IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2007 : CEC 2007 ; 25 - 28 September 2007, Singapore}, journal = {IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2007 : CEC 2007 ; 25 - 28 September 2007, Singapore}, publisher = {IEEE Service Center}, address = {Piscataway, NJ}, isbn = {978-1-424-41339-3}, pages = {965 -- 972}, year = {2007}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{Dachwald2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Low-Thrust Mission Analysis and Global Trajectory Optimization Using Evolutionary Neurocontrol: New Results}, series = {European Workshop on Space Mission Analysis ESA/ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany 10 { 12 Dec 2007}, booktitle = {European Workshop on Space Mission Analysis ESA/ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany 10 { 12 Dec 2007}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Interplanetary trajectories for low-thrust spacecraft are often characterized by multiple revolutions around the sun. Unfortunately, the convergence of traditional trajectory optimizers that are based on numerical optimal control methods depends strongly on an adequate initial guess for the control function (if a direct method is used) or for the starting values of the adjoint vector (if an indirect method is used). Especially when many revolutions around the sun are re- quired, trajectory optimization becomes a very difficult and time-consuming task that involves a lot of experience and expert knowledge in astrodynamics and optimal control theory, because an adequate initial guess is extremely hard to find. Evolutionary neurocontrol (ENC) was proposed as a smart method for low-thrust trajectory optimization that fuses artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms to so-called evolutionary neurocontrollers (ENCs) [1]. Inspired by natural archetypes, ENC attacks the trajectoryoptimization problem from the perspective of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a perspective that is quite different from that of optimal control theory. Within the context of ENC, a trajectory is regarded as the result of a spacecraft steering strategy that maps permanently the actual spacecraft state and the actual target state onto the actual spacecraft control vector. This way, the problem of searching the optimal spacecraft trajectory is equivalent to the problem of searching (or "learning") the optimal spacecraft steering strategy. An artificial neural network is used to implement such a spacecraft steering strategy. It can be regarded as a parameterized function (the network function) that is defined by the internal network parameters. Therefore, each distinct set of network parameters defines a different network function and thus a different steering strategy. The problem of searching the optimal steering strategy is now equivalent to the problem of searching the optimal set of network parameters. Evolutionary algorithms that work on a population of (artificial) chromosomes are used to find the optimal network parameters, because the parameters can be easily mapped onto a chromosome. The trajectory optimization problem is solved when the optimal chromosome is found. A comparison of solar sail trajectories that have been published by others [2, 3, 4, 5] with ENC-trajectories has shown that ENCs can be successfully applied for near-globally optimal spacecraft control [1, 6] and that they are able to find trajectories that are closer to the (unknown) global optimum, because they explore the trajectory search space more exhaustively than a human expert can do. The obtained trajectories are fairly accurate with respect to the terminal constraint. If a more accurate trajectory is required, the ENC-solution can be used as an initial guess for a local trajectory optimization method. Using ENC, low-thrust trajectories can be optimized without an initial guess and without expert attendance. Here, new results for nuclear electric spacecraft and for solar sail spacecraft are presented and it will be shown that ENCs find very good trajectories even for very difficult problems. Trajectory optimization results are presented for 1. NASA's Solar Polar Imager Mission, a mission to attain a highly inclined close solar orbit with a solar sail [7] 2. a mission to de ect asteroid Apophis with a solar sail from a retrograde orbit with a very-high velocity impact [8, 9] 3. JPL's \2nd Global Trajectory Optimization Competition", a grand tour to visit four asteroids from different classes with a NEP spacecraft}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldSeboldtLoebetal.2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Loeb, Horst W. and Schartner, Karl-Heinz}, title = {A comparison of SEP and NEP for a main belt asteroid sample return mission}, series = {7th International Symposium on Launcher Technologies, Barcelona, Spain, 02-05 April 2007}, booktitle = {7th International Symposium on Launcher Technologies, Barcelona, Spain, 02-05 April 2007}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Innovative interplanetary deep space missions, like a main belt asteroid sample return mission, require ever larger velocity increments (∆V s) and thus ever more demanding propulsion capabilities. Providing much larger exhaust velocities than chemical high-thrust systems, electric low-thrust space-propulsion systems can significantly enhance or even enable such high-energy missions. In 1995, a European-Russian Joint Study Group (JSG) presented a study report on "Advanced Interplanetary Missions Using Nuclear-Electric Propulsion" (NEP). One of the investigated reference missions was a sample return (SR) from the main belt asteroid (19) Fortuna. The envisaged nuclear power plant, Topaz-25, however, could not be realized and also the worldwide developments in space reactor hardware stalled. In this paper, we investigate, whether such a mission is also feasible using a solar electric propulsion (SEP) system and compare our SEP results to corresponding NEP results.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldKahleWie2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Kahle, Ralph and Wie, Bong}, title = {Head-on impact deflection of NEAs: a case study for 99942 Apophis}, series = {Planetary Defense Conference 2007}, booktitle = {Planetary Defense Conference 2007}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Near-Earth asteroid (NEA) 99942 Apophis provides a typical example for the evolution of asteroid orbits that lead to Earth-impacts after a close Earth-encounter that results in a resonant return. Apophis will have a close Earth-encounter in 2029 with potential very close subsequent Earth-encounters (or even an impact) in 2036 or later, depending on whether it passes through one of several less than 1 km-sized gravitational keyholes during its 2029-encounter. A pre-2029 kinetic impact is a very favorable option to nudge the asteroid out of a keyhole. The highest impact velocity and thus deflection can be achieved from a trajectory that is retrograde to Apophis orbit. With a chemical or electric propulsion system, however, many gravity assists and thus a long time is required to achieve this. We show in this paper that the solar sail might be the better propulsion system for such a mission: a solar sail Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) spacecraft could impact Apophis from a retrograde trajectory with a very high relative velocity (75-80 km/s) during one of its perihelion passages. The spacecraft consists of a 160 m × 160 m, 168 kg solar sail assembly and a 150 kg impactor. Although conventional spacecraft can also achieve the required minimum deflection of 1 km for this approx. 320 m-sized object from a prograde trajectory, our solar sail KEI concept also allows the deflection of larger objects. For a launch in 2020, we also show that, even after Apophis has flown through one of the gravitational keyholes in 2029, the solar sail KEI concept is still feasible to prevent Apophis from impacting the Earth, but many KEIs would be required for consecutive impacts to increase the total Earth-miss distance to a safe value}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LoebSchartnerDachwaldetal.2007, author = {Loeb, Horst Wolfgang and Schartner, Karl-Heinz and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, Wolfgang}, title = {SEP-Sample return from a main belt asteroid}, series = {30th International Electric Propulsion Conference}, booktitle = {30th International Electric Propulsion Conference}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2007}, abstract = {By DLR-contact, sample return missions to the large main-belt asteroid "19, Fortuna" have been studied. The mission scenario has been based on three ion thrusters of the RIT-22 model, which is presently under space qualification, and on solar arrays equipped with triple-junction GaAs solar cells. After having designed the spacecraft, the orbit-to-orbit trajectories for both, a one-way SEP mission with a chemical sample return and an all-SEP return mission, have been optimized using a combination of artificial neural networks with evolutionary algorithms. Additionally, body-to-body trajectories have been investigated within a launch period between 2012 and 2015. For orbit-to-orbit calculation, the launch masses of the hybrid mission and of the all-SEP mission resulted in 2.05 tons and 1.56 tons, respectively, including a scientific payload of 246 kg. For the related transfer durations 4.14 yrs and 4.62 yrs were obtained. Finally, a comparison between the mission scenarios based on SEP and on NEP have been carried out favouring clearly SEP.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldMengaliQuartaetal.2007, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mengali, Giovanni and Quarta, Alessandro A and Macdonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R}, title = {Optical solar sail degradation modelling}, series = {1st International Symposium on Solar Sailing}, booktitle = {1st International Symposium on Solar Sailing}, pages = {1 -- 27}, year = {2007}, abstract = {We propose a simple parametric OSSD model that describes the variation of the sail film's optical coefficients with time, depending on the sail film's environmental history, i.e., the radiation dose. The primary intention of our model is not to describe the exact behavior of specific film-coating combinations in the real space environment, but to provide a more general parametric framework for describing the general optical degradation behavior of solar sails.}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldSeboldtRichter2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W. and Richter, L.}, title = {Multiple rendezvous and sample return missions to near-Earth objects using solar sailcraft / Dachwald, B. ; Seboldt, W. ; Richter, L.}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {768 -- 776}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldMengaliQuartaetal.2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Mengali, Giovanni and Quarta, Alessandrao A. and Macdonald, Malcolm}, title = {Parametric Model and Optimal Control of Solar Sails with Optical Degradation}, series = {Journal of guidance, control, and dynamics. 29 (2006), H. 5}, journal = {Journal of guidance, control, and dynamics. 29 (2006), H. 5}, isbn = {0162-3192}, pages = {1170 -- 1178}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldKahleWie2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Kahle, Ralph and Wie, Bong}, title = {Solar Sailing Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) Mission Design Tradeoffs for Impacting and Deflecting Asteroid 99942 Apophis}, series = {AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference \& Exhibit : [21 - 24 August 2006, Keystone, Colorado ; papers]. - (AIAA meeting papers on disc ; [11.]2006,19-20 )}, journal = {AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference \& Exhibit : [21 - 24 August 2006, Keystone, Colorado ; papers]. - (AIAA meeting papers on disc ; [11.]2006,19-20 )}, publisher = {American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics}, address = {Reston, Va.}, isbn = {1-56347-802-1}, pages = {1 -- 20}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldOhndorfWie2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Ohndorf, A. and Wie, Bong}, title = {Solar Sail Trajectory Optimization for the Solar Polar Imager (SPI) Mission}, series = {AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference \& Exhibit : [21 - 24 August 2006, Keystone, Colorado ; papers]. - (AIAA meeting papers on disc ; [11.]2006,19-20 )}, journal = {AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference \& Exhibit - AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference \& Exhibit : [21 - 24 August 2006, Keystone, Colorado ; papers]. - (AIAA meeting papers on disc ; [11.]2006,19-20 )}, publisher = {American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics}, address = {Reston, Va.}, isbn = {1-56347-802-1}, pages = {2 CD-ROMs.}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldCarnelliVasile2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Carnelli, I. and Vasile, M.}, title = {Low-Thrust Gravity Assist Trajectory Optimization Using Evolutionary Neurocontrollers / I. Carnelli ; B. Dachwald ; M. Vasile ...}, series = {Astrodynamics 2005 : proceedings of the AAS/AIAA astrodynamics conference held August 7 - 11, 2005, South Lake Tahoe, California / ed. by Bobby G. Williams. - Pt. 3. - (Advances in the astronautical sciences ; 123,3)}, journal = {Astrodynamics 2005 : proceedings of the AAS/AIAA astrodynamics conference held August 7 - 11, 2005, South Lake Tahoe, California / ed. by Bobby G. Williams. - Pt. 3. - (Advances in the astronautical sciences ; 123,3)}, publisher = {Univelt}, address = {San Diego, Calif.}, isbn = {0-87703-527-X}, pages = {1911 -- 1928}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldBaturkinCoverstoneetal.2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Baturkin, Volodymyr and Coverstone, Victoria L. and Dietrich, Benjamin and Garbe, Gregory P. and G{\"o}rlich, Marianne and Leipold, Manfred and Lura, Franz and Macdonald, Malcolm and McInnes, Colin R. and Mengali, Giovanni and Quatra, Alessandro A. and Rios-Reyes, Leonel and Scheeres, Daniel J. and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Wie, Bong}, title = {Potential Effects of Optical Solar Sail Degradation on Interplanetary Trajectory Design}, series = {Astrodynamics 2005 : proceedings of the AAS/AIAA astrodynamics conference held August 7 - 11, 2005, South Lake Tahoe, California / ed. by Bobby G. Williams. - Pt. 3. - (Advances in the astronautical sciences ; 123,3)}, journal = {Astrodynamics 2005 : proceedings of the AAS/AIAA astrodynamics conference held August 7 - 11, 2005, South Lake Tahoe, California / ed. by Bobby G. Williams. - Pt. 3. - (Advances in the astronautical sciences ; 123,3)}, publisher = {Univelt}, address = {San Diego, Calif.}, isbn = {0-87703-527-X}, pages = {2569 -- 2592}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{LeipoldFichtnerHeberetal.2006, author = {Leipold, M. and Fichtner, H. and Heber, B. and Groepper, P. and Lascar, S. and Burger, F. and Eiden, M. and Niederstadt, T. and Sickinger, C. and Herbeck, L. and Dachwald, Bernd and Seboldt, W.}, title = {Heliopause Explorer - A Sailcraft Mission to the Outer Boundaries of the Solar System}, series = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, journal = {Acta Astronautica. 59 (2006), H. 8-11}, isbn = {0094-5765}, pages = {786 -- 796}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @article{DachwaldCarnelliVasile2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Carnelli, I. and Vasile, M.}, title = {Evolutionary Neurocontrol as a Novel Method for Low-Thrust Gravity Assist Trajectory Optimization / I. Carnelli ; B. Dachwald ; M. Vasile}, series = {Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (Selected papers) : Kanazawa, [June 4 through June 11, 2006, at Kanazawa-shi Kanko Kaikan in Kanazawa city] / [Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences. Kohtaro Matsumoto [ed.-in-chief]}, journal = {Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (Selected papers) : Kanazawa, [June 4 through June 11, 2006, at Kanazawa-shi Kanko Kaikan in Kanazawa city] / [Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences. Kohtaro Matsumoto [ed.-in-chief]}, publisher = {JSASS}, address = {Tokyo}, isbn = {4-99005-002-9}, pages = {569 -- 574}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LoebSchartnerSeboldtetal.2006, author = {Loeb, Horst W. and Schartner, Karl-Heinz and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Dachwald, Bernd and Streppel, Joern and Meusemann, Hans and Sch{\"u}lke, Peter}, title = {SEP for a lander mission to the jovian moon europa}, series = {57th International Astronautical Congress}, booktitle = {57th International Astronautical Congress}, doi = {10.2514/6.IAC-06-C4.4.04}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Under DLR-contract, Giessen University and DLR Cologne are studying solar-electric propulsion missions (SEP) to the outer regions of the solar system. The most challenging reference mission concerns the transport of a 1.35-tons chemical lander spacecraft into an 80-RJ circular orbit around Jupiter, which would enable to place a 375 kg lander with 50 kg of scientific instruments on the surface of the icy moon "Europa". Thorough analyses show that the best solution in terms of SEP launch mass times thrusting time would be a two-stage EP module and a triple-junction solar array with concentrators which would be deployed step by step. Mission performance optimizations suggest to propel the spacecraft in the first EP stage by 6 gridded ion thrusters, running at 4.0 kV of beam voltage, which would save launch mass, and in the second stage by 4 thrusters with 1.25 to 1.5 kV of positive high voltage saving thrusting time. In this way, the launch mass of the spacecraft would be kept within 5.3 tons. Without a launcher's C3 and interplanetary gravity assists, Jupiter might be reached within about 4 yrs. The spiraling-down into the parking orbit would need another 1.8 yrs. This "large mission" can be scaled down to a smaller one, e.g., by halving all masses, the solar array power, and the number of thrusters. Due to their reliability, long lifetime and easy control, RIT-22 engines have been chosen for mission analysis. Based on precise tests, the thruster performance has been modeled.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{DachwaldKahleWie2006, author = {Dachwald, Bernd and Kahle, Ralph and Wie, Bong}, title = {Solar sail Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) mission design tradeoffs for impacting and deflecting asteroid 99942 Apophis}, series = {AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit}, booktitle = {AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit}, doi = {10.2514/6.2006-6178}, pages = {1 -- 20}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis provides a typical example for the evolution of asteroid orbits that lead to Earth-impacts after a close Earth-encounter that results in a resonant return. Apophis will have a close Earth-encounter in 2029 with potential very close subsequent Earth-encounters (or even an impact) in 2036 or later, depending on whether it passes through one of several so-called gravitational keyholes during its 2029-encounter. Several pre-2029-deflection scenarios to prevent Apophis from doing this have been investigated so far. Because the keyholes are less than 1 km in size, a pre-2029 kinetic impact is clearly the best option because it requires only a small change in Apophis' orbit to nudge it out of a keyhole. A single solar sail Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) spacecraft that impacts Apophis from a retrograde trajectory with a very high relative velocity (75-80 km/s) during one of its perihelion passages at about 0.75 AU would be a feasible option to do this. The spacecraft consists of a 160 m x 160 m, 168 kg solar sail assembly and a 150 kg impactor. Although conventional spacecraft can also achieve the required minimum deflection of 1 km for this approx. 320 m-sized object from a prograde trajectory, our solar sail KEI concept also allows the deflection of larger objects. In this paper, we also show that, even after Apophis has flown through one of the gravitational keyholes in 2029, solar sail Kinetic Energy Impactor (KEI) spacecraft are still a feasible option to prevent Apophis from impacting the Earth, but many KEIs would be required for consecutive impacts to increase the total Earth-miss distance to a safe value. In this paper, we elaborate potential pre- and post-2029 KEI impact scenarios for a launch in 2020, and investigate tradeoffs between different mission parameters.}, language = {en} }