Optimal On-Orbit Inspection of Satellite Formation

Abstract

In a formation-flying mission where multiple spacecraft must cooperate and maintain a prescribed relative separation, the early detection of possible anomalies is a primary requirement. This is possible, for example, by employing an inspector spacecraft whose aim is to monitor the condition of the formation members with an on-orbit inspection. This paper analyzes a rest-to-rest multiple-impulse transfer that the inspector spacecraft must accomplish to visit all of the formation members. The problem is studied using the linearized Hill–Clohessy–Wiltshire equations and is solved in an optimal framework by minimizing the total velocity variation along the transfer trajectory. The solution algorithm implements a two-step procedure that combines differential evolution algorithms and Nelder–Mead simplex method-based routines. A case study is thoroughly investigated where a formation of six satellites covers a circular orbit of altitude 300km over Earth. The proposed algorithm could efficiently find a solution and with reduced computational times.

Continuous Low-Thrust Maneuver Planning for Space Gravitational Wave Formation Reconfiguration Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

“…Sherrill [ 14 ] presents a simple method for roughly applying the HCW equations to the chiefs in an elliptic orbit; a virtual chief is described as a circularized version of the actual chief in the approach. Caruso [ 15 ] refines and extends a multiple impulse trajectory transfer method, which is based on the linearized CW equation and is solved in an optimal framework by minimizing the total velocity variation; in the study, a massless point covering a circular orbit around a certain celestial body was created as the formation’s (virtual) chief. Huang [ 16 ] proposed a spacecraft orbit correction method based on a virtual formation configuration design, and the correction was realized by four-pulse control.…”