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Zero Relative Radial Acceleration Cones and Controlled Motions Suitable for Formation Flying

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Abstract

Assume that a constellation of satellites is required to remain close to a given nominal trajectory and that there is some freedom in the selection of the geometry of the constellation. If we are interested in avoiding large variations of the mutual distances between the spacecraft, we can consider the possible existence of regions of zero relative radial acceleration with respect to the nominal trajectory. The motion along these regions will reduce the expansion or contraction of the constellation. The goal of this paper is the study of these regions and the controlled motions between them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IEEC & Departament de Matemàtica Aplicada i Anàlisi, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain

    G. Gómez

  2. Departament de Matemàtica Aplicada i Anàlisi, Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Via 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain

    M. Marcote

  3. IEEC & Departament de Matemàtica Aplicada I, Universitat Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, E.T.S.E.I.B., Diagonal 647, 08028, Barcelona, Spain

    J. J. Masdemont

  4. IEEC & Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) Barcelona, Spain

    J. M. Mondelo

Authors
  1. G. Gómez
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  2. M. Marcote
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  3. J. J. Masdemont
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  4. J. M. Mondelo
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Correspondence to G. Gómez.

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Gómez, G., Marcote, M., Masdemont, J.J. et al. Zero Relative Radial Acceleration Cones and Controlled Motions Suitable for Formation Flying. J of Astronaut Sci 53, 413–431 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546361

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546361

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