Real-Time Autonomous Spacecraft Proximity Maneuvers and Docking Using an Adaptive Artificial Potential Field Approach

• Published in: IEEE transactions on control systems technology Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 2598 - 2605
• Main Authors: Zappulla, Richard, Park, Hyeongjun, Virgili-Llop, Josep, Romano, Marcello
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.11.2019; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Adaptive artificial potential function (AAPF); Adaptive systems; Algorithms; APF; Navigation; Potential fields; Real time; real-time control; Real-time systems; Rendezvous guidance; Space missions; Space vehicles; Spacecraft docking; Spacecraft guidance; spacecraft guidance and control; Spacecraft maneuvers; Trajectory; Trajectory optimization; Vehicle dynamics
• ISSN: 1063-6536; 1558-0865
• DOI: 10.1109/TCST.2018.2866963

In an effort to pursue more advanced missions in space, improved on-board trajectory optimization and path (re)planning capabilities are necessary. Over the past decades, numerous missions have pushed the state of the art in autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPOs). Regardless of the mission, any RPO guidance algorithm must be able to react to a dynamic environment while generating a fuel-efficient trajectory. An adaptive artificial potential function (AAPF) guidance exhibiting these properties has been experimentally evaluated on a spacecraft air-bearing test bed and its performance compared to traditional APF and other real-time guidance methods.