Solar sail-based energy-efficient architecture for long-term mars orbit operations

초록

This study presents a solar sail-based mission architecture for long-term Mars orbit operations with minimal energy and control input. While solar sails offer fuel-free, continuous thrust suitable for interplanetary transfers, their application in bounded planetary orbits-particularly around Mars-poses unique challenges due to persistent perturbations such as solar radiation pressure (SRP), eclipse effects, atmospheric drag, and gravitygradient torques. The proposed strategy focuses on the post-insertion operational phase, wherein the spacecraft maintains a Mars-pointing attitude and stable orbit over extended durations. A yaw-biased attitude configuration is employed to reduce SRP-induced torque in the yaw axis, allowing passive stabilization through gravity-gradient alignment. The control system utilizes reaction wheels with a sliding-mode controller to support transient convergence, after which negligible torque and power are required. A comprehensive Mars-centered dynamic model is developed, coupling translational and rotational motion and incorporating eclipse-aware SRP and atmospheric drag effects. Simulation results demonstrate that uncontrolled attitude motion leads to rapid orbital degradation, but within a well-defined feasibility region-characterized by suitable insertion velocity and altitude-long-term stability is achievable. A 10-year simulation confirms that the proposed system maintains bounded orbital elements and attitude alignment, with root mean square control power below 0.00231 W. These findings highlight the strategic potential of solar sails as low-energy platforms for autonomous deepspace missions. The study emphasizes the importance of insertion geometry, quasi-equilibrium configurations, and minimal control design in enabling scalable, long-duration Mars orbit operations.

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