Abstract Formation flying of spacecraft in orbit around the Earth and in deep space is becoming an enabling technology for a number of space mission concepts. One such concept is separated spacecraft interferometry, a technique to be used by ESA’s Darwin planet finding mission. In this paper, a maneuver planning algorithm is introduced designed to find the post-maneuver spacecraft positions that satisfy interferometry science goals whilst optimizing for fuel use or fuel balancing considerations. Compared to a benchmark planning algorithm gains of up to 23% less fuel for fuel minimizing maneuvers and a significant increase in fuel balancing for fuel balancing maneuvers are observed using Darwin-like mission parameters.
Maneuver planning optimization for spacecraft formation flying missions
2008
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
Maneuver Planning Optimization for Spacecraft Formation Flying Missions
Online Contents | 2008
|Maneuver planning optimization for spacecraft formation flying missions
Springer Verlag | 2008
|Two-Stage Optimal Manoeuvre Planning for Spacecraft Formation Flying Missions
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008
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