Jovian System Exploration via Electrodynamic Tethers with Optimal and Analytical Control Laws

Electrodynamic tethers (EDTs) are a promising technology for orbital maneuvering in the Jovian system, as they have the dual benefits of propellant-less propulsion and power generation. This work investigates trajectories of EDTs and focuses on enabling efficient exploration of Jupiter’s innermost moon, Io. Key phases of a potential mission are addressed: Jovian capture trajectories and orbital maneuvering around Io. In the analysis of Jovian capture trajectories, optimal control laws are derived using Pontryagin’s principle for orbital energy minimization of spacecraft on hyperbolic trajectories to facilitate efficient Jovian orbit capture as well as a minimum-time transfer for rendezvous with Io. The results provide feasibility thresholds for Jovian capture operations based on EDT parameters and demonstrate a minimum-time transfer trajectory to Io. Discussion on the validity of the capture solutions is also included, where practical considerations such as ohmic effects, relativistic effects, and tether length limitations are highlighted. The analysis extends to orbital maneuvering around Io. This analysis derives simple analytical control laws to induce secular changes in eccentricity and semimajor axis, which offer valuable insights into the structure of the control inputs. Overall, this paper highlights the effectiveness and feasibility of EDTs for enabling missions dedicated to the Jovian moon Io.