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A network architecture for precision formation flying using the IEEE 802.11 MAC ProtocolPrecision Formation Flying missions involve the tracking and maintenance of spacecraft in a desired geometric formation. The strong coupling of spacecraft in formation flying control requires inter-spacecraft communication to exchange information. In this paper, we present a network architecture that supports PFF control, from the initial random deployment phase to the final formation. We show that a suitable MAC layer for the application protocol is IEEE's 802.11 MAC protocol. IEEE 802.11 MAC has two modes of operations: DCF and PCF. We show that DCF is suitable for the initial deployment phase while switching to PCF when the spacecraft are in formation improves jitter and throughput. We also consider the effect of routing on protocol performance and suggest when it is profitable to turn off route discovery to achieve better network performance.
Document ID
20060044347
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Clare, Loren P.
Gao, Jay L.
Jennings, Esther H.
Okino, Clayton
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
March 5, 2005
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 5, 2005
End Date: March 12, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
precision formation flying
communications protocol
network

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