GVE-Based Dynamics and Control for Formation Flying SpacecraftFormation flying is an enabling technology for many future space missions. This paper presents extensions to the equations of relative motion expressed in Keplerian orbital elements, including new initialization techniques for general formation configurations. A new linear time-varying form of the equations of relative motion is developed from Gauss Variational Equations and used in a model predictive controller. The linearizing assumptions for these equations are shown to be consistent with typical formation flying scenarios. Several linear, convex initialization techniques are presented, as well as a general, decentralized method for coordinating a tetrahedral formation using differential orbital elements. Control methods are validated using a commercial numerical propagator.
Document ID
20060048537
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Breger, Louis (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
How, Jonathan P. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Proceedings from the 2nd International Symposium on Formation Flying Missions and Technologies