Solar Constant

Author: Tianjiang Says

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

The solar constant (S0S_0) is the total solar radiant energy received per unit time per unit area perpendicular to the direction of the Sun's rays, at a distance of one astronomical unit (AU) from the Sun, outside Earth's atmosphere.

Numerical Value

S0≈1367 W/m2S_0 \approx 1367 \text{ W/m}^2

Application in Solar Radiation Pressure Calculation

The solar constant is a fundamental parameter for calculating Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP). The SRP acceleration formula is:

aSRP=kCRS0cAm(R0R)2n^a_{SRP} = k C_R \frac{S_0}{c} \frac{A}{m} \left(\frac{R_0}{R}\right)^2 \hat{n}

where S0/cS_0/c is the solar radiation pressure, approximately 4.56 μN/m².

References

  • Chen Yuju. DRO Orbit Design and Control Research for Cislunar Space Situation Awareness[D]. 2024.