DEVELOPMENT OF A TOOL FOR ANALYZING ORBITS AROUND ASTEROIDS

In this paper orbit dynamics around asteroids are analyzed. Since asteroid orbital environments are some of the most highly perturbed environments in the solar system, it is of particular interest to demonstrate the effects of gravitational perturbations, solar radiation pressure (SRP) and solar gravity. In order to show and compare the importance of satellite and asteroid properties, the theory of asteroid dynamics is applied on both the relatively massive asteroid Eros and the relatively small asteroid Itokawa. Special orbits, such as terminator orbits and hovering, are analyzed through the example of both asteroids. The analyses are performed using a tool written in MATLAB, which allows to parametrically study orbits around asteroids. The tool is capable of analyzing stability of orbits around asteroids, designing terminator orbits and determining Delta v, thrust magnitude and propellant for hovering.