Relative dynamics and initialization condition of spacecraft formations in eccentric orbits
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 1 November 2006
Abstract
Purpose
Hill equations have definite limitation in the design of multiple spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits. To solve the problem, the design method of spacecraft formation flying in a circular reference orbit based on Hill equation can be generalized and applied to spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, T‐H equation is expressed as the explicit function form of reference orbit true anomaly, and the state transition matrix of relative motion of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits is derived. According to the requirement that relative dynamics equation of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits has periodicity solution, the paper theoretically gives the initial condition needed by the long‐term close‐distance spacecraft formation flying including the relationship between relative position and relative velocity. Without perturbation the spacecraft formation, which satisfies the initial periodicity restriction, can keep long‐term close‐distance flying without the need of active control.
Findings
Based on the theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are carried out. The results demonstrate that each spacecraft in eccentric orbits can run in a periodic motion surrounding the center spacecraft under some conditions. And spacecraft formation reconfiguration is implementing according to missions.
Originality/value
Combined with the periodicity restriction primary condition a new method about spacecraft formation reconfiguration is put forward. The method given by this paper can be applied to eccentric orbits of arbitrary eccentricity, and provides theoretical reference for orbit design of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.
Keywords
Citation
Fang, R., Zhang, S. and Cao, X. (2006), "Relative dynamics and initialization condition of spacecraft formations in eccentric orbits", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 6, pp. 481-489. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660610707148
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited