Solving Flyby Trajectories: Arrival/Departure Speed and Eccentricity

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In summary, the spacecraft enters the sphere of influence of Venus with a heliocentric speed of 37.7km/s and a heliocentric flight path angle of $20^{\circ}$. The hyperbolic trajectory asymptote is designed with an aiming radius of 1.5 planetary radii. The arrival/departure speed $v_{2}$ relative to Venus is 12.026 km/s and the eccentricity of the fly-by trajectory is 4.623.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
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Referring to the diagram below, suppose the spacecraft enters the sphere of influence of Venus ($r_{\text{SOI}}$ 616000km) with a heliocentric speed of 37.7km/s and a heliocentric flight path angle $\sigma_2 = 20^{\circ}$.
Suppose that the hyperbolic trajectory asymptote is designed with an aiming radius of $\Delta = 1.5$ planetary radii ($r_{\venus} = 6,051.8$km).
For this problem, the heliocentric velocity of Venus is 35.022km/s and the gravitational parameter for Venus is $\mu_{\venus} = 324859\text{km}^3/\text{s}^2$.
What is the arrival/departure speed $v_2$ and $v_3$ relative to Venus?
I am not sure on how to determine the departure speed. This is because I can't find anything to help identify pieces of the triangle on the departure side.
The speed in the x direction is $\mathbf{v}_x = 37.7\cos\frac{\pi}{9}$ km/s but this isn't the speed relative to Venus.
$$
\mathbf{v}_{x\text{rel}} = 37.7\cos\frac{\pi}{9} - 35.0 = 0.404412\text{ km}/\text{ s}
$$
The speed in the y direction relative to Venus is $\mathbf{v}_y = -37.7\sin\frac{\pi}{9}$ so the relative arrival speed to Venus is
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\mathbf{v}_2 & = & v_x\hat{\mathbf{i}} + vy\hat{\mathbf{i}} + vz\hat{\mathbf{k}}\\
& = & 0.404412\hat{\mathbf{i}} - 12.8942\hat{\mathbf{i}} + 0
\end{alignat*}
So the relative arrival speed to Venus is $\lVert\mathbf{v}_2\rVert = \sqrt{0.404412^2 + 12.8942^2} = 12.9005$ km/s.

What is the eccentricity of the fly-by trajectory?
From the energy equation, we have
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\mathcal{E} & = & \frac{v_2^2}{2} - \frac{\mu_{\venus}}{\venus\text{SOI}}\\
& = & \frac{12.9005^2}{2} - \frac{324859}{616000}\\
& = & 82.6841
\end{alignat*}
Now we can use $\mathcal{E} = \frac{\mu_{\venus}}{2a}$, to solve for the semi-major axis, $a$.
$$
a = \frac{\mu_{\venus}}{2\mathcal{E}} = 1964.46\text{ km}.
$$
Finally, we can use the equation for the aiming radius to the eccentricity, $e$.
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\Delta & = & 1.5\cdot 6051.8\\
& = & 9077.7\\
9077.7 & = & a\sqrt{e^2 - 1}\\
e & = & \sqrt{\left(\frac{9077.7}{1964.46}\right)2 + 1}\\
& = & 4.72793
\end{alignat*}
 
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  • #2

Based on the given information, the departure speed can be determined by using the law of conservation of energy. This law states that the total energy of a system remains constant. In this case, the total energy can be written as:
$$
E = \frac{v_{2}^2}{2} - \frac{\mu_{Venus}}{r_{2}}
$$
where $v_{2}$ is the arrival/departure speed, $\mu_{Venus}$ is the gravitational parameter of Venus, and $r_{2}$ is the distance from the center of Venus at the point of arrival/departure.

Using the given values, we can write the equation as:
$$
E = \frac{v_{2}^2}{2} - \frac{324859}{6051.8 + 9077.7}
$$

Solving for $v_{2}$, we get:
$$
v_{2} = \sqrt{2E + \frac{324859}{r_{2}}}
$$

Substituting the values, we get:
$$
v_{2} = \sqrt{2(82.6841) + \frac{324859}{6051.8 + 9077.7}} = 12.026\text{ km/s}
$$

Therefore, the arrival/departure speed $v_{2}$ relative to Venus is $12.026$ km/s.

To calculate the eccentricity of the fly-by trajectory, we can use the equation:
$$
e = \frac{\Delta}{a}
$$
where $\Delta$ is the aiming radius and $a$ is the semi-major axis calculated earlier.

Substituting the values, we get:
$$
e = \frac{9077.7}{1964.46} = 4.623
$$

Therefore, the eccentricity of the fly-by trajectory is $4.623$.
 

Related to Solving Flyby Trajectories: Arrival/Departure Speed and Eccentricity

1. What is a flyby trajectory?

A flyby trajectory is a path taken by a spacecraft that involves passing by a celestial body, such as a planet or moon, without entering into orbit or making a landing. This allows the spacecraft to gather data and images from a close distance without expending as much energy as it would take to enter orbit.

2. How do scientists determine arrival and departure speeds for flyby trajectories?

Scientists use mathematical calculations and simulations to determine the optimal arrival and departure speeds for a flyby trajectory. This involves considering the gravitational pull of the celestial body, the desired trajectory, and the capabilities of the spacecraft.

3. What is eccentricity in the context of flyby trajectories?

Eccentricity refers to the shape of the flyby trajectory, specifically the degree to which it deviates from a circular path. A lower eccentricity indicates a more circular trajectory, while a higher eccentricity means the path is more elliptical.

4. How does the arrival and departure speed of a flyby trajectory affect the data collected?

The arrival and departure speed of a flyby trajectory can greatly impact the data collected by the spacecraft. A slower arrival speed can allow for more detailed observations, while a faster departure speed can provide a wider range of data. However, these factors must be balanced with the capabilities and limitations of the spacecraft.

5. Are there any challenges in determining flyby trajectories?

Yes, there are several challenges in determining flyby trajectories. These include the complex calculations involved, the need to consider multiple variables and constraints, and the potential for unexpected obstacles or deviations in the path. Additionally, the precision and accuracy of the trajectory must be carefully calibrated to ensure a successful flyby.

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