Small Satellite Swarm Theory for Sparse Aperture Radar Applications

Abstract

In the next few years, the Space Systems Academic Group (SSAG) and the Small Satellite Laboratory at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) may begin work on a small satellite swarm constellation. This thesis introduces flight operations concepts for small satellite formations conducting sparse aperture radar missions to inform decision makers at NPS of possible flight operations options. An orbital modeling program called Systems Tool Kit was used to simulate combinations of flight patterns and orbits, including a pendulum and a helix inline hybrid model, and a cartwheel hybrid model. The MATLAB software package was used to plot the simulated orbits, calculating the flight formation stability, and for calculating the relative effects of sensor separation on the system resolution. Findings include a stable dispersion pattern for the satellites to conduct their mission and an ability to maintain safe, collision-free flight operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1069842

Entities

People

  • John Iii C. Yungbluth

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Nanosatellites
  • Payload
  • Radar
  • Satellite Buses
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Visible Spectra

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers