Differential Drag-Based Reference Trajectories for Spacecraft Relative Maneuvering Using Density Forecast

Pérez, David; Bevilacqua, Riccardo

doi:10.2514/1.a33332

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…E If a propulsion system is not an option (due to cost or volume constraints), changing the aerodynamic drag the spacecraft experiences through modulation of the ballistic coefficient presents itself as the most feasible way to perform re-entry targeting. While extensive work has been done on density modeling and spacecraft drag estimation 8,9 , and there is a body of research focused on relative spacecraft maneuvering using differential drag [10][11][12] , very little research has been conducted on a de-orbit algorithm that utilizes solely aerodynamic drag to control the decay trajectory. Though the modulation of vehicle aerodynamics has been utilized since the Apollo missions 4 to help vehicles maintain a precomputed guidance during the re-entry trajectory, the use of solely aerodynamic drag for reentry targeting presents a much greater challenge and has never been done in practice before to the best of the authors' knowledge.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spacecraft Deorbit Point Targeting Using Aerodynamic Drag

Omar¹,

Bevilacqua²,

Guglielmo³

et al. 2017

Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spacecraft Deorbit Point Targeting Using Aerodynamic Drag

Omar¹,

Bevilacqua²,

Guglielmo³

et al. 2017

Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics

Self Cite

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“…During the study it was observed that, in some cases, the trajectories generated using a constant density atmosphere influenced negatively in the final trajectory. This problem was already detected and studied by Bevilacqua et al (2016), where they proposed the use of a neural network for density forecast when generating the guidance trajectory.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Then, the first order time derivative of the Lyapunov function is as follows (Pérez & Bevilacqua, 2016):…”

Section: Lyapunov Controller Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Investigations conducted in the University of Florida by Pérez and Bevilacqua (Pérez & Bevilacqua, 2016) present the equation to calculate the magnitude of the relative acceleration due to differential aerodynamic drag between a follower and leader. The equation shown there requires not just the ballistic coefficient of the follower, but also the ballistic coefficient of the leader.…”

Section: Relative Atmospheric Drag Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The purpose of this paper was presenting the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) predictors capable of forecasting the atmospheric density along the future orbit of a spacecraft, used for designing rendezvous reference trajectories created specifically for differential drag-based rendezvous maneuvering (Pérez & Bevilacqua, 2016).…”

Section: Relative Atmospheric Dragmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Autonomous Formation Flying and Proximity Operations Using Differential Drag on the Mars Atmosphere

Villa¹

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To analyze the use of differential drag on the Mars atmosphere, the researcher accessed the two high resolution models available: NASA's Mars-GRAM and ESA's Mars Climate Database. These models allowed the simulation of conditions that a spacecraft would experience while in orbit around the planet. To explore the feasibility, the researcher first conducted a study where Mars atmosphere density was compared to Earth atmosphere, determining its applicability. Then, a simulation using MATLAB® was conducted, using a Keplerian two-body problem including the effects of Mars zonal harmonics (i.e. J2) and drag perturbations. Two 6U CubeSat were used in the simulation with deployable drag plates of different sizes, giving the possibility of having five differential drag scenarios as means of formation control.The conclusions showed that, although with some limitations, the use of differential drag as means of autonomous formation flying and proximity operations control is feasible using proven techniques previously validated in Low Earth Orbit. Lyapunov control was selected as the control strategy, where three different methods were evaluated and compared.

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On the exploitation of differential aerodynamic lift and drag as a means to control satellite formation flight

et al. 2019

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In order for a satellite formation to maintain its intended design despite present perturbations (formation keeping), to change the formation design (reconfiguration) or to perform a rendezvous maneuver, control forces need to be generated. To do so, chemical and/or electric thrusters are currently the methods of choice. However, their utilization has detrimental effects on small satellites' limited mass, volume and power budgets. Since the mid-eighties, the potential of using differential drag as a means of propellant-less source of control for satellite formation flight is actively researched. This method consists of varying the aerodynamic drag experienced by different spacecraft, thus generating differential accelerations between them. Its main disadvantage, that its controllability is mainly limited to the in-plain relative motion, can be overcome by using differential lift as a means to control the out-of-plane motion. Due to its promising benefits, a variety of studies from researchers around the world have enhanced the state-of-the-art over the past decades which results in a multitude of available literature. In this paper, an extensive literature review of the efforts which led to the current state-of-the-art of different lift and drag based satellite formation control is presented. Based on the insights gained during the review process, key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in the field of differential lift in order to enhance the current state-of-the-art are revealed and discussed. In closer detail, the interdependence between the feasibility domain / the maneuver time and increased differential lift forces achieved using advanced satellite surface materials promoting quasi-specular or specular reflection, as currently being developed in the course of the DISCOVERER project, is discussed. Keywords Satellite aerodynamics • differential lift • differential drag • formation flight control • propellant less control Acknowledgements This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 737183. This reflects only the author's view and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. The author would like to thank the reviewers, the DISCOVERER team as well as several colleagues from IRS for their valuable feedback and suggestions.

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Differential Drag-Based Reference Trajectories for Spacecraft Relative Maneuvering Using Density Forecast

Cited by 17 publications

References 22 publications

Spacecraft Deorbit Point Targeting Using Aerodynamic Drag

Spacecraft Deorbit Point Targeting Using Aerodynamic Drag

Autonomous Formation Flying and Proximity Operations Using Differential Drag on the Mars Atmosphere

On the exploitation of differential aerodynamic lift and drag as a means to control satellite formation flight

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