In this paper, we extend primer vector analysis to formation flying. Optimization of the classical rendezvous or free-time transfer problem between two orbits using primer vector theory has been extensively studied for one spacecraft. However, an increasing number of missions are now considering flying a set of spacecraft in close formation. Missions such as the Magnetospheric MultiScaIe (MMS) and Leonardo-BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) need to determine strategies to transfer each spacecraft from the common launch orbit to their respective operational orbit. In addition, all the spacecraft must synchronize their states so that they achieve the same desired formation geometry over each orbit. This periodicity requirement imposes constraints on the boundary conditions that can be used for the primer vector algorithm. In this work we explore the impact of the periodicity requirement in optimizing each spacecraft transfer trajectory using primer vector theory. We first present our adaptation of primer vector theory to formation flying. Using this method, we then compute the budget for each spacecraft subject to different formation endpoint constraints.
Initialization of Formation Flying Using Primer Vector Theory
2003
12 pages
Report
No indication
English
Astronautics , Spacecraft Trajectories & Flight Mechanics , Aeronautics , Formation flying , Velocity , Spacecraft , Artificial satellites , Atmospheric motion , Algorithms , Drag control , Aerodynamic characteristics , Flight maneuvers , Flight control , Space missions , Transfer orbits , Flight optimization
GA-Based Optimization for Formation Flying Initialization
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008
|Primer Vector Theory for Optimal Relative Waypoint Flying (AAS 04-207)
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005
|