Propulsion-Free Cross-Track Control of a LEO Small-Satellite Constellation with Differential Drag

In this work, we achieve propellantless control of both cross-track and along-track separation of a satellite formation by manipulating atmospheric drag. Increasing the differential drag of one satellite with respect to another directly introduces along-track separation, while cross-track separation...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Falcone, Giusy, Willis, Jacob B, Manchester, Zachary
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 24.06.2023
Subjects
Algorithms
Closed loops
Drag
Earth gravitation
Formation flying
Gravitational fields
Linear programming
Low earth orbits
Orbital mechanics
Satellite constellations
Satellite tracking
Separation
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:In this work, we achieve propellantless control of both cross-track and along-track separation of a satellite formation by manipulating atmospheric drag. Increasing the differential drag of one satellite with respect to another directly introduces along-track separation, while cross-track separation can be achieved by taking advantage of higher-order terms in the Earth's gravitational field that are functions of altitude. We present an algorithm for solving an n-satellite formation flying problem based on linear programming. We demonstrate this algorithm in a receeding-horizon control scheme in the presence of disturbances and modeling errors in a high-fidelity closed-loop orbital dynamics simulation. Our results show that separation distances of hundreds of kilometers can be achieved by a small-satellite formation in low-Earth orbit over a few months.
ISSN:2331-8422