A novel geometric guidance algorithm is proposed for spacecraft formation flying. The controllability of the full relative motion is analyzed using Lie bracket theory. The fuel-optimal two-point boundary value problem is reframed into a curve minimization on a Riemannian manifold. The optimal path is shown to be a geodesic of the solution manifold, and it is obtained by solving a partial differential equation. The large convergence radius of the proposed method is robust to bad initial guesses. The geometric guidance is used in a multiple-spacecraft architecture, and a collision avoidance scenario illustrates how the geometric path planner solves constrained path planning problems. Finally, the proposed guidance is compared to a regulator path planner to showcase the low fuel requirement associated with traveling along the geodesic.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Fuel-Optimal Geometric Path Planning Algorithm for Spacecraft Formation Flying


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2022-10-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Fuel-Efficient Distributed Path Planning for Spacecraft Formation Flying

    Sipowa, Hermann K. / McMahon, Jay W. | IEEE | 2022


    Optimal Path Planning for Spacecraft Formation Flying: Planning Architecture and Operations (AAS 07-424)

    Burgon, R. / Roberts, J.A. / Roberts, P.C.E. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008




    Impulsive Optimal Guidance Algorithm for Formation Flying Spacecraft

    Tsuda, Y. / Nakasuka, S. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002