A New Method of Guidance Control for Autonomous Rendezvous in a Cluttered Space Environment

Abstract

This paper addresses a new concept of autonomous guidance for close proximity operations in space. A potential function is developed with the intent that a minimum occurs at a desired relative position. A control law is then used to account for the dynamic effects and ensure the path generated is obstacle free. CW maneuvers are used to traverse solutions provided from the guidance algorithm. Trajectories are shown for a variety of situations in which a completely autonomous spacecraft can rendezvous with a cooperative satellite in an unspecified amount of time. A comparison is made between the new algorithm and traditional APFG methods by examining the total impulse thrusts and time of flight. It is shown that the new algorithm is more fuel efficient and has a shorter time of flight than traditional APFG methods.

Rapid Path-Planning Options for Autonomous Proximity Operations of Spacecraft

“…11 Such hybrid approaches can be shown to be robust and at the same time increase performance. 21,22 One example where a rapid path-planning algorithm might be needed is in an evolving inspection scenario.…”

Spacecraft Debris Avoidance Using Positively Invariant Constraint Admissible Sets

“…Guidance based on artificial potential function is used in [9,11] to determine a rendezvous path free of obstacles. A potential function is developed with the intent that a minimum occurs at a desired relative position and then a dynamic control law is used to ensure the trajectory is obstacle free [11].…”

“…A potential function is developed with the intent that a minimum occurs at a desired relative position and then a dynamic control law is used to ensure the trajectory is obstacle free [11].…”

“…We use the technique of [25] where bisections are applied to (11) to determine the growth distance to the debris from each node in the net. The spacecraft's initial condition is X(0) = X e (r 0 ), where r 0 = [0.32 0 1.61] T km.…”

Constrained Spacecraft Relative Motion Planning Exploiting Periodic Natural Motion Trajectories and Invariance

“…This method has been studied for use in both the GRACE and PRISMA formation flight missions [10], [11]. Methods for trajectory planning with obstacle avoidance using artificial potential functions have also been considered in, e.g., [12], [13] and [14]. Approaches based on solving non-convex trajectory optimization problems with a sequence of convex optimization problems have been proposed in [15] and [16].…”