Orbit Determination of the SMART-1 Mission
Publication date: 12 October 2004
Authors: Mackenzie, R. et al.
Journal: Proceedings of the 18th International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics (ESA SP-548)
Page: 181
Copyright: ESA
This paper describes the operational orbit determination of the first Small Mission for Advanced Research and Technology, SMART-1, emphasising the experiences gained navigating a spacecraft with solar electric propulsion (SEP). Since launch, interruptions to planned thrust arcs by unforeseen platform events and both long and short term small variations of the SEP performance have had an impact on the spacecraft navigation. These impacts are discussed and in particular the evolution of the SEP performance throughout the mission and the response of the navigation team is analysed. Finally the operational orbit determination is presented in some detail, including illustrative examples.
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