Optimal control of satellite formations due to oblateness perturbations
by F.A. Abd El-Salam
International Journal of Space Science and Engineering (IJSPACESE), Vol. 4, No. 2, 2016

Abstract: The nonlinear satellite dynamics, including gravitational perturbations of zonal harmonics up to is utilised to search for the optimal fuel cost for maintaining a formation is investigated. The system dynamics were developed in an Earth-centred inertial coordinate frame using the methods of Hamiltonian dynamics. Continuous dynamic optimisation theory was used to minimise fuel requirements, resulting in a continuous thrust. The uncontrolled reference trajectory of the formation was restricted to a circular inclined orbit. Additionally, further fuel savings are discussed with possible modifications to orbit altitude, formation radius, and variations in the defined performance index.

Online publication date: Fri, 13-Jan-2017

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