Bandit: Technologies for Proximity Operations of Teams of Sub-10Kg Spacecraft

Abstract

This work was pursued as a supplement to an existing University Nanosat-4 activity (the Akoya/Bandit mission at Washington University). The objective of this work was to develop control theory for operating the 3-kg free-flying Bandit spacecraft, as expressed by two goals: improve the fidelity and performance of our 3DOF hardware testbed and 6DOF simulator; develop, test and evaluate two methods for autonomous multi-vehicle control (behavior-based and waypoint/autopilot) Control theory was developed for teams of fixed-thrust (constrained-actuator) space vehicles, culminating in one doctoral dissertation (with two more in progress). The 6DOF simulator was greatly enhanced in both fidelity and operational effectiveness. The new 3DOF hardware testbed did not work as intended, for reasons that will be explained.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 16, 2007
Accession Number
ADA473589

Entities

People

  • Michael A. Swartwout

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Automatic Pilots
  • Contracts
  • Control Systems
  • Control Theory
  • Nanosatellites
  • Navigation
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Small Satellites
  • Spacecraft
  • Students
  • Test Equipment
  • Training
  • Universities
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers