Closed-loop distance-keeping for long-term satellite cluster flight

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Closed-loop distance-keeping for long-term satellite cluster flight

Mazal, Leonel / Gurfil, Pini

Abstract Cluster flight is a term used for describing multiple satellites that are being held within pre-defined minimum and maximum distances for long time intervals, possibly the entire mission. This technology is required for a myriad of space architectures and missions, including disaggregated space architectures. Whereas the literature is abundant with works on control laws for satellite formation flying, there are only a handful of works on control of cluster flight. The purpose of the current work is to develop a cluster flight control algorithm, which is able to keep the satellites of the cluster within pre-specified minimum and maximum distances, while utilizing small amounts of propellant. The newly developed algorithm relies on the natural inter-satellite distance dynamics. The algorithm incorporates realistic mission constraints, such as constant-magnitude thrust, and is implemented in feedback form, steering the mean elements to judiciously selected reference values. Simulations indicate that a few tens of grams of propellent are sufficient for operating a cluster flight mission in excess of 1 year, using low specific-impulse thrusters.

Highlights • The purpose of the current work is to develop a cluster flight control algorithm based on fuel-efficient distance-keeping. • The newly developed algorithm relies on the natural inter-satellite distance dynamics. • The algorithm is able to keep the inter-satellite distances between pre-defined minimal and maximal values. • The algorithm incorporates realistic mission constraints.