Dynamics, Deployment and Retrieval Strategy for Satellite-Sail Transverse Formation with Model Inaccuracy

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The aim of this submission is to analyze the performance of a spacecraft formation in which a deputy spacecraft is equipped with an advanced propulsion system obtained by the combination of a charged tether and a classical (photonic) solar sail. In particular, a geocentric mission scenario (with a sun-synchronous reference orbit) is considered in the study, while a LQR-based control law is proposed to drive the system to the desired state.

The submission of interest, and I suggest a minor revision according to the attached pdf file.  

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper studies a new type of tethered space system, which consists on the main and solar sail spacecrafts and is intended for use the remote-sensing. This new original topic will be interesting to many readers.

The mathematical description of the problem is quite strict and understandable, but there are some ambiguities that should be clarified before publication.

1. There are errors in the definition of some references. At least I don't see references, but words about errors. For example, there are in 169, 173, 176 lines and in some other places. Of course, this needs to be fixed.

2. Authors should describe in more detail the assumptions used in paper. For example, did the authors take into account disturbances from the upper atmosphere of the planet? These perturbations are large enough for a solar sail even for the considered altitude of the orbit.

3. The mathematical model of solar pressure used in this work is suitable only for a perfectly reflective sail. I think it should be explained how the results will change in a more realistic case.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx