Abstract
This paper investigates trajectories within the Alpha Centauri system to reach planet Proxima b. These trajectories come in the form of connections between the classical Lagrange points of Alpha-Centauri’s binary system (composed of the stars Alpha Centauri A and B, AC-A and AC-B) and the classical Lagrange points of the Alpha Centauri C (AC-C)/Proxima b system. These so-called heteroclinic connections are sought using a patched restricted three-body problem method. A genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the linkage conditions between the two three-body systems, focusing on minimizing the position, velocity, and time error at linkage. Four different futuristic, graphenebased sail configurations are used for the analyses: two sails with a reflective coating on only one side of the sail with lightness numbers equal to β = 100 and β = 1779, and two sails with a reflective coating on both sides (again, considering β = 100 and β = 1779). Results from the genetic algorithm show that, for example, a transfer from the L2-point in the AC-A/AC-B system to the L1-point in the AC-C/Proxima b system can be accomplished with a transfer time of 235 years for the one-sided graphene-based sail with β = 1779.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the International Symposium on Space Sailing |
Number of pages | 9 |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Event | 6th International Symposium on Space Sailing - New York, United States Duration: 5 Jun 2023 → 9 Jun 2023 |
Conference
Conference | 6th International Symposium on Space Sailing |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | New York |
Period | 5/06/23 → 9/06/23 |