Combined Dynamics Theories Applied to Orbit and Attitude
Motion with Chaos
Combining dynamical systems theory (DST) with continuum mechanics may enable to trace fundamental structures of motion within chaotic orbit-attitude dynamics. DST can be readily applied to chaotic systems, but only under a number of restrictive assumptions. Concepts from continuum mechanics can link the DST framework with higher-fidelity models, such as those required to interpret the dynamics of natural bodies or to design space missions. Orbit-attitude dynamical structures are a key to understanding the motion of celestial objects and can be used to develop flight operation strategies in otherwise prohibitive dynamical conditions.
Figure: Schematics of an n-Torus structure that may represent bounded trajectories within chaotic dynamics.