Orbital Dynamics of Space Vehicles

Contest-Driven Development of Orbital Tourist Vehicles

We explore the size and structure of prizes intended to promote private development of orbital tourist vehicles. While inspired by the Ansari X-Prize, we argue that prizes to spur orbital tourism development must be much larger and structured to reward continued development, rather than a few flights. Mechanisms to promote development of extremely reliable vehicles are also discussed. This pape...

Dynamics of Space Free-Flying Robots with Flexible Appendages

A Space Free-Flying Robot (SFFR) includes an actuated base equipped with one or more manipulators to perform on-orbit missions. Distinct from fixed-based manipulators, the spacecraft (base) of a SFFR responds to dynamic reaction forces due to manipulator motions. In order to control such a system, it is essential to consider the dynamic coupling between the manipulators and the base. Explicit d...

The Future of Sub-orbital and Orbital Space Accident Investigation

In the past, it has been assumed that space missions were the exclusive domain of state-controlled agencies. In consequence, the international agreements enshrined in ‘Space Law’ only indirectly addressed issues of certification and liability that arise when fare-paying passengers are transported on sub-orbital flights. Conversely, international conventions on commercial aviation are difficult ...

Flight Simulation of Orbital and Re-Entry Vehicles

Orbital dynamics of three-dimensional bars: II. Investigation of the parameter space

We investigate the orbital structure in a class of 3D models of barred galaxies. We consider different values of the pattern speed, of the strength of the bar and of the parameters of the central bulge of the galactic model. The morphology of the stable orbits in the bar region is associated with the degree of folding of the x1-characteristic. This folding is larger for lower values of the patt...