Release Guidance Analysis of a Deputy Satellite Using Charged Formation Flying for On-Orbit Servicing

Abstract

On-orbit servicing is of interest for long duration missions due to potential benefits such as increasing the mission lifetime. In order to realize on-orbit servicing Coulomb, formation satellite systems lend themselves as one possible approach. This paper discusses such a system. A method is proposed for deploying a small deputy satellite from a docked condition on a main satellite to a Clohessy-Wiltshire bounded solution. A series of elliptical guidance paths are used for this purpose. Additionally, a method of changing the relative plane of motion of the deputy satellite is presented. This method requires the reorientation of the main satellite. Numerical simulations indicate that such maneuvers are possible within the given assumptions. It is observed that even in the worst-case scenario, positional errors can be kept within several centimeters.