Design delle traiettorie di un tour delle lune galileiane di Giove usando come propulsore un tether elettrodinamico

The Jovian system represents the perfect environment for electrodynamic tethers due to its magnetic field, dense plasmasphere and high rotation rate. The use of EDT for orbital maneuvers can save propellant and mass. In this thesis a mission for the exploration of the Galilean moons, along with the optimization techniques used, from interplanetary phase through capture, till the moons tour itself, is presented.