How Knot Theory Can Help Spacecraft Can Change Orbits Without Using Fuel
How Knot Theory Can Help Spacecraft Can Change Orbits Without Using Fuel
When a spacecraft arrives at its destination, it settles into an orbit for science operations. But after the primary mission is complete, there might be other interesting orbits where scientists would like to explore. Maneuvering to a different orbit requires fuel, limiting a spacecraft’s number of ...
Pretty interesting topic, would be interesting if it could be used to move satellites to a "parking orbit" once they run out of fuel. It's unclear just how much movement in an orbit that can be done, as it says it needs to be in the same energy level.
Source press release: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/new-technique-uses-knot-theory-create-tube-map-around-planets-and-moons
Source journal article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42064-024-0201-0
I would be surprised if this could be used to put a satellite into a graveyard orbit. Missions usually use the last of their fuel to do that, and this technique assumes there's a common energy between the orbits, which means you cant use this technique on something with a maneuver.
I would be curious if they could refine the technique to remove that restriction.
Seems to only work with N body type situations, meaning you wouldn’t likely see any possibilities in LEO or even GEO. This is more for systems like Jupiter or Saturn where you have lots of moons you can play with.
Right, I was responding to OPs comment with the article about putting satellites into final parking orbits when they run out of fuel.