| This thesis summarizes an investigation of periodic orbits about asteroids and comets, with a focus on polar orbits. A force model is derived assuming a triaxial ellipsoid shape for the central body, with constant density, and a constant spin rate oriented along the maximum moment of inertia axis of the body. No external perturbations are included. Several numerical studies performed on test asteroids are described. Parametric studies, phase plots, and Lagrange's Planetary Equations are used to study the orbital nature.; Two variations of the differential correction method are used, with initial condition estimates taken from resonance orbits about two asteroids. In addition, an orbit "conditioner" is also used to aid in convergence. The program developed produced two useful orbits. Both orbital paths remain relatively close to the surface and may be useful in mission design. More study is required in this area, and a number of recommendations for future work are given. |
