[en] Non-spherical gravitational effects and aerodynamic force are the dominant perturbations for low-Earth-orbiting spacecraft. If the former can be modeled with arbitrary accuracy for most applications, it is not possible for the latter. Uncertainties in the aerodynamic force invalidate any attempt to perform deterministic propagations of the position of the spacecraft, regardless the duration of the simulation. However, the effect of drag, which is largely the main component of the force, is a monotonic decrease of the semi-major axis of the orbit, so that these uncertainties are a major concern for long-term predictions. The purpose of this study is the characterization, propagation, and sensitivity analysis of the uncertainty source in the aerodynamic force of a convex-shaped spacecraft. To illustrate the usefulness of this analysis in real-life applications, the uncertainty quantification of the orbital lifetime of a QB50 nanosatellite is proposed as case study.
Disciplines :
Aerospace & aeronautics engineering
Author, co-author :
Dell'Elce, Lamberto ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > Laboratoire de structures et systèmes spatiaux
Kerschen, Gaëtan ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > Laboratoire de structures et systèmes spatiaux
Language :
English
Title :
Uncertainty quantification of the aerodynamic force of a convex-shaped spacecraft in free-flow regime
Publication date :
2013
Event name :
International Workshop on Uncertainty Quantification in Fluids Simulation