A Study of Cislunar-Based Small Satellite Constellations with Sustainable Autonomy

The Cislunar economy is thriving with innovative space systems and operation techniques to enhance and uplift the traditional approaches significantly. This paper brings about an approach for sustainable small satellite constellations to retain autonomy for long-term missions in the Cislunar space....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAerospace Vol. 11; no. 9; p. 787
Main Authors Rashed, Mohammed Irfan, Bang, Hyochoong
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2024
Subjects
Autonomy
cislunar
Cislunar space
conjunction
constellation
Moon
Orbits
Parametric analysis
Pressure effects
R&D
Radiation
Radiation pressure
Real time operation
Research & development
Satellite constellations
Satellite observation
Satellites
Simulation
Small satellites
Solar radiation
Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP)
Space missions
Sustainability
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Summary:The Cislunar economy is thriving with innovative space systems and operation techniques to enhance and uplift the traditional approaches significantly. This paper brings about an approach for sustainable small satellite constellations to retain autonomy for long-term missions in the Cislunar space. The methodology presented is to align the hybrid model of the constellation for Earth and Moon as an integral portion of the Cislunar operations. These hybrid constellations can provide a breakthrough in optimally utilizing the Cislunar space to efficiently deploy prominent missions to be operated and avoid conjunction or collisions forming additional debris. Flower and walker constellation patterns have been combined to form a well-defined orientation for these small satellites to operate and deliver the tasks satisfying the mission objectives. The autonomous multi-parametric analysis for each constellation based in Earth and Moon’s environment has been attained with due consideration to local environments. Specifically, the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) is a critical constraint in Cislunar operations and is observed during simulations. These are supported by conjunction analysis using the Monte Carlo technique and also the effect of the SRP on the operating small satellites in real-time scenarios. This is followed by the observed conclusions and the way forward in this fiercely competent Cislunar operation.
ISSN:2226-4310
2226-4310
DOI:10.3390/aerospace11090787