The use of differential drag in the formationkeeping of spacecraft is examined. In many future space missions one satellite will be required to fly in a specific position with respect to another satellite; this action is referred to as formationkeeping. In this study, differential drag is the difference in drag between the two satellites. Reasons to use differential drag as an actuator for formationkeeping include the avoidance of jet plume impingement effects on closely spaced satellites and possible fuel savings. The equations of relative motion between the two satellites are derived and a mathematical transformation is made to reduce the formationkeeping problem to the simultaneous solution of a double integrator and a harmonic oscillator. A two part control law is developed that simultaneously and dependently solves cases being driven to a target position; two different simulations are used. The validity of assumptions made in the derivation of the control law is examined in the comparison of similar test cases run through different simulations. The control law developed can drive a satellite from an initial position to a target position and maintain the satellite at that location.


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    Title :

    Formationkeeping of Spacecraft Via Differential Drag


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1986


    Size :

    159 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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