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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Analytical Solution For Low-Thrust Minimum Time Control Of A Satellite Formation, John Sang-Pil Seo
Analytical Solution For Low-Thrust Minimum Time Control Of A Satellite Formation, John Sang-Pil Seo
Theses and Dissertations
Satellite formations or distributed satellite systems provide advantages not feasible with single satellites. Efficient operation of this platform requires the use of optimal control of the entire satellite formation. While the optimal control theory is well established, only a very simple dynamical system affords an analytical solution. Any practical optimal control problem solves the resulting two-point boundary value (TPBV) problem numerically. The relative satellite dynamics using Hill's coordinate system and approximations made by Clohessy and Wiltshire, combined with body-fixed thruster control, result in a linearized dynamic system. This dissertation provides the analysis for the minimum time satellite formation control by …
Data Sorting And Orbit Determination Of Tethered Satellite Systems, Mark J. Faulstich
Data Sorting And Orbit Determination Of Tethered Satellite Systems, Mark J. Faulstich
Theses and Dissertations
Tethered satellite system end masses do not obey the normal laws of motion developed for determining their orbits. In addition, tethered satellite systems cause unique problems for satellite tracking because there are potentially two or more objects which may be tracked. This thesis provides insight into these issues by developing a method of sorting out observation data of tethered satellite systems into their appropriate end mass and providing an estimate on the center of mass orbit of the tethered satellite system. The method used to accomplish both of these tasks is optimization of an estimated simulated orbit. This orbit estimate …
Geometric Approach To Orbital Formation Mission Design, Matthew J. Press
Geometric Approach To Orbital Formation Mission Design, Matthew J. Press
Theses and Dissertations
For distributed remote sensing architectures to be useful for collecting data, it is essential to have a methodology for relating orbital formation parameters to remote sensing requirements. Utilizing the characteristics of formation parameters, an orbital design approach is developed that establishes a satellite formation from a desired instantaneous spatial distribution as viewed from a target ground site. To maintain a conceptually basic representation, a geometric approach is used to develop the correlating algorithm. This tool will enable mission planning for orbital formations as well as future concept exploration.