Description When a spacecraft reaches an asteroid, one of the main tasks is to characterize it. This is achieved by taking the spacecraft to different orbits at different distances from the asteroid's surface. The closer it is, the greater will be the resolution of its observations and measurements. However, as the spacecraft slowly approaches the surface using electric propulsion, it goes through ground-track resonances with the asteroid. When crossing these resonances, the spacecraft risks being caught within the resonance, strongly perturbing its trajectory. The aim of the project is to study the phenomenon considering asteroids with different dimensions and shapes. Programming (MATLAB) is required. Key Objectives Key objectives
Understand how to conduct a literature review Understand how to model and control the orbital motion around an asteroid Develop programming skills Develop technical writing and communication skills