ALR_Sim_tracks - trajectory simulator software to assist the search for favourable trajectories for the exploration of the triple Asteroid 2001-SN263 from the Laser Altimeter point of view

Abstract

_ALR_Sim_tracks_ is a trajectory simulator/analyser software for space missions involving the exploration of the surface of celestial bodies using optical instrumentation. The software was created to carry out an analysis that would allow the identification of favourable trajectories for carrying out the intended exploration of the triple asteroid 2001-SN263 during Brazil's first deep space mission (ASTER mission) [1][2] from the point of view of the Laser Altimeter, called ALR, which is one of the optical instruments designed to fly in this mission [3][4]. With its use, trajectories of interest for the intended exploration were simulated and evaluated to identify the most promising ones, which were then presented [5][6]. This article contains a presentation and description of this software, and everything involved in its operation. Because it was first created to represent the view of a laser altimeter, the descriptions involve this instrument. However, Other optical instruments of similar operation are also considered for analysis once a proper modelling is available.