In this paper we introduce a new approach to the design of formations that maintain a constant shape as viewed from the Earth. An algorithm is developed to place n spacecraft in a formation spaced equally in time using orbital elements referenced to an intermediate reference frame. To first order, the dimensions of the formation are shown to be simple functions of orbit eccentricity and the relative inclination. The performance of the formation is investigated over a Keplerian orbit using a performance measure based on a weighted average of the angular separations between spacecraft in formation. Analytic approximations are developed that yield optimum configurations for different values of n. The analytic approximations are shown to be in excellent agreement with the exact solutions.
Optimal Configurations for Rotating Spacecraft Formations
J of Astronaut Sci
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences ; 48 , 2-3 ; 225-247
2000-06-01
23 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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