Space Platforms and Operations Technologies
Abstract
A guidance strategy for autonomous spacecraft formation reconfiguration maneuvers solves the linked assignment and delivery problems. First, the member spacecraft in the formation are each assigned to their new positions in the desired formation geometry. The guidance algorithm then employs an auction process, with estimates for the maneuvers and times-of-flight, that minimize a specific expense function for the formation. To guide the spacecraft to their assigned positions, the first of two guidance schemes is based on artificial potential functions (APF). Using relative distances between the spacecraft, targets, and any obstacles, the APF approach yields maneuvers based on gradients of th e potential field. The second delivery scheme leverages model predictive control. The guidance algorithm uses an analytical linearized approximation of the relative orbital dynamics, the Yamanaka-Ankersen state transition matrix, in the auction process and in both delivery methods. The proposed guidance strategy is successful, in simulations, in autonomously assigning the members of the formation to new positions and in delivering the spacecraft to these new positions safely using both delivery methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 02, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1056742
Entities
People
- Kathleen Howell
- Theodore Wahl
Organizations
- Purdue University