A Cartesian relative motion approach to optimal formation flight using Lorentz forces and impulsive thrusting Articles uri icon

publication date

  • November 2017

start page

  • 255

end page

  • 263

issue

  • November

volume

  • 140

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0094-5765

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1879-2030

abstract

  • Hybrid combination of Lorentz forces and impulsive thrusts, provided by modulating spacecraft's electrostatic charge and propellant usage, respectively, is proposed for formation flight applications. A hybrid linear quadratic regulator, previously proposed in another work using a differential orbital elements-based model, is reconsidered for a Cartesian coordinates-based description of the spacecraft's relative states. In addition, the effects of adopting circular versus elliptic reference solutions on the performance of the controller are studied. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed controller in the presence of J2 perturbations, and to illustrate the improvements gained by assuming an elliptic reference and incorporating auxiliary impulsive thrusts.

subjects

  • Aeronautics
  • Physics

keywords

  • spacecraft formation flight; lorentz-augmented formation; optimal hybrid control; relative cartesian dynamics