Can a Satellite Maintain its Angular Velocity with Continuous Low Thrust?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of a satellite maintaining its angular velocity (O') in a heliocentric orbit while undergoing continuous low thrust. It concludes that Satellite 2, which experiences tangential thrust, may transition to an elliptical or outward spiraling orbit, thus altering its angular velocity. The confusion arises from the relationship between tangential velocity and orbital radius, particularly when increasing velocity leads to escape from the solar system. Numerical simulations indicate that maintaining O' is not possible under these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heliocentric orbits and angular velocity
  • Knowledge of orbital mechanics and gravitational forces
  • Familiarity with numerical simulation techniques
  • Basic principles of thrust and its effects on satellite trajectories
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  • Research the principles of elliptical orbits and their characteristics
  • Study the effects of tangential thrust on satellite motion
  • Explore gravitational variations with distance from a celestial body
  • Learn about centrifugal force and its relationship with orbital speed
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Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and students of orbital mechanics seeking to understand the dynamics of satellite motion under continuous thrust conditions.

dansmith170
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TL;DR
Can a satellite that undergoes a low continuous thrust maintain the same angular velocity as a satellite that does not undergo said thrust?
Suppose two satellites are in a circular heliocentric orbit with radius R and with angular velocity O'. Satellite 2 then undergoes a low continuous thrust. Can Satellite 2 (the one that undergoes the continuous low thrust) maintain the same angular velocity O' about the sun?

It seems that Satellite 2 may now be in an elliptic orbit (or outward spiraling orbit) and presumably its thrust vector is perpendicular to a line connecting Satellite 2 to Satellite 1, to the Sun. (Tangential thrust).

How might one go about proving that angular velocity (O') can be maintained as Satellite 2 accelerates (if it is possible at all)?

P.S. I think I am confused about whether increasing tangential velocity increases radius in a way that would prohibit O' from being maintained by the accelerating satellite.
 
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I did a quick & dirty numerical simulation... First I put a James Webb in a circular orbit around the sun at 1AU (with no planets). Next I doubled the distance to 2AU without changing the orbital velocity. The spacecraft at 2AU with enough orbital velocity for a 1AU circular orbit escapes the Sun (no orbit).

16.jpg


Or if you start with a circular orbit at 1AU then double the orbital speed, you also leave the solar system (no orbit)...
17.jpg
 
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Look up (Google?) how gravity varies with distance.
Then look up how centrifugal force varies with orbital speed or distance.

Have Fun and Learn Much!
Tom
 
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