Collective management of satellite clusters

Abstract

Abstract : During this contract we carried out work in three areas relevant to the control of clusters of satellites: orbital analysis, cluster reconfiguration, and cluster control. We developed an approximate separation function, relatively simple to compute, to help predict the short-term behavior of the constellation. We applied optimization methods to develop low-fuel trajectories compatible with operational requirements and market-oriented programming to solve the cluster reconfiguration problem with minimal fuel usage. We also developed a guidance algorithm for the constellation in order to maintain operational formations while minimizing fuel consumption.