Designing the Trajectory of the Exploratory Mission to the Moon
In a groundbreaking research project led by Saba Amjadian under the supervision of Dr. Mehran Mirshams and the guidance of Dr. Mehdi Jafari Nadooshan, the trajectory of an exploratory mission to the moon has been meticulously designed. This research seeks to address the overlooked aspects of the moon’s formation mechanism and its potential as a testing ground for new technologies in planetary exploration.
The study reviews past information and discoveries to shed light on the significant facts about the moon and its formation mechanism that have been ignored. Furthermore, the research showcases the moon as a suitable platform for testing new technologies in the field of planetary exploration.
The main objective of this research is to determine the precise path of the spacecraft, especially in the regimes where multiple objects exert their influence on the spacecraft. To accomplish this, an N-Body astronomical model, capable of delivering more accurate results, is developed through simulation. The model utilizes the astronomical positions of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.
To build and test the numerical model for route design, MATLAB is employed. The motion of the Earth, Moon, and Sun is studied and integrated into MATLAB using NASA’s SPICE toolbox for calculations. The circular orbit and trajectory of the LADEE mission serve as a test case to validate the accuracy of the numerical model. Finally, the results obtained from the research are compared with NASA’s GMAT program, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Saba Amjadian, who entered the program in 2020, successfully defended this research, showcasing their expertise and dedication. The defense took place on October 7, 2023. For further inquiries or correspondence, Saba Amjadian can be contacted at Saba.Amjadian@email.kntu.ac.ir.
The accomplishments of this research project have opened new avenues for designing effective trajectories for future exploratory missions to the moon. By addressing overlooked aspects of lunar exploration, this study contributes to the advancement of planetary exploration and paves the way for future scientific discoveries.
Congratulations to Saba Amjadian on his successful defense! 🎉🚀