Highlights A relative orbit design method for CubeSats flying around space station is proposed. The CubeSat’s relative orbit is used for observing feature-points on surface of space station. The design method considers the field-of-view constraints and occlusion effect. The method could be used for other similar constrained close-range on-orbit service missions.
Abstract This paper presents a novel relative orbit design method for CubeSats flying around the space station to perform visual inspection considering the Field-Of-View (FOV) constraints and occlusion effect. Firstly, a parametric model for Periodic Relative Orbits (PROs) is established by using the well-known Clohessy-Wiltshire equations. Based on this model, the relative orbit design problem for orbital target inspection is successfully integrated into a problem of two-parameters determination, one of which is the correlation coefficient and the other is the orbital amplitude. Secondly, by categorically evaluating the range of design variables, the design method for generating feasible solutions of PROs to satisfy the FOV constraints is proposed. Thirdly, considering the existence of the occlusion effect of large space structure, this paper presents an efficient calculating method to evaluate the degree of occlusion based on the analysis of line-of-sight blockage. Then, to avoid the occlusion effect, an improved relative orbit design method is developed. Finally, the designed algorithms are testified by carrying out some typical simulations with the China Space Station as the observed object and a small CubeSat assumed to perform the required inspection mission. The results illustrate well the validity and practicability of the proposed method.
Relative orbit design of CubeSats for on-orbit visual inspection of China space station
Advances in Space Research ; 73 , 1 ; 170-186
2023-10-07
17 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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