Spacecraft Formation Flying: Design and Control in LEO

Paper number

IAC-08.C1.6.11

Author

Mr. Giacomo Taini, Thales Alenia Space Italy, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Leonardo Mazzini, Thales Alenia Space, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Anna Notarantonio, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Arturo Intelisano, Thales Alenia Space, Italy

Year

2008

Abstract

Formation Flying (FF) is a very interesting and challenging topic for a lot of future space applications. 

The principal aim of this paper is to define and compare different control strategies for maintenance and reconfiguration of the FF in LEO taking into account the Spacecraft constraints. The present work analyses different FF configurations between two satellites starting from the orbital parameters of the reference satellite and using the geometrical relative parameters. 

Orbital impulsive control strategies, using LP or LQR applications, are tested and compared in several FF configurations for the  maintenance and the reconfiguration manoeuvres considering the operational resolutions of S/C thrusters. 

Consumptions and performances of different types of propulsion (Chemical, Cold Gas or Electrical) are compared for a lot of FF and S/C different configurations.

Abstract document

IAC-08.C1.6.11.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C1.6.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.