AbstractHybrid combination of Lorentz forces and impulsive thrusts, provided by modulating spacecraft's electrostatic charge and propellant usage, respectively, is proposed for formation flight applications. A hybrid linear quadratic regulator, previously proposed in another work using a differential orbital elements-based model, is reconsidered for a Cartesian coordinates-based description of the spacecraft's relative states. In addition, the effects of adopting circular versus elliptic reference solutions on the performance of the controller are studied. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed controller in the presence of J2 perturbations, and to illustrate the improvements gained by assuming an elliptic reference and incorporating auxiliary impulsive thrusts.

    HighlightsHybrid use of Lorentz forces and impulsive thrusts is used for formation flight.A hybrid linear quadratic regulator is used with a Cartesian coordinate description.Effects of circular versus elliptic reference solutions on the performance are studied.Simulations show the controller performance in the presence of J2 perturbation.


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    Title :

    A Cartesian relative motion approach to optimal formation flight using Lorentz forces and impulsive thrusting



    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 140 ; 255-263


    Publication date :

    2017-08-21


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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