Method and system for formationkeeping between orbiting spacecra

Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path

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244164, 244168, 244172, B64G 110

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active

058068015

ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a method and system for formationkeeping between two or more orbiting spacecraft by controlling the surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of perturbative forces acting on the spacecraft. The actual position of each spacecraft is sensed and the distance between the spacecraft is computed. If this separating distance exceeds acceptable tolerances, the affected spacecraft are commanded to change their orientation so that the total surface area facing the direction of motion is altered. Alternatively, the total surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of solar pressure can be altered. As a result, the forces acting on the spacecraft are altered which alters spacecraft position and velocity. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, surface area variations of individual spacecraft are used to maintain the planar separation between adjacent constellations of orbiting spacecraft at desired distances.

REFERENCES:
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patent: 4262867 (1981-04-01), Piening
patent: 4759517 (1988-07-01), Clark
patent: 5124925 (1992-06-01), Gamble et al.
patent: 5267167 (1993-11-01), Glickman
C. L. Leonard, W. M. Hollister & E.V. Bergmann, "Orbital Formationkeeping with Differential Drag," AIAA Journal of Guidance and Control, vol. 12, Jan.-Feb. 1989.
Michael Matthews & Susan J. Leszkiewicz, "Efficient Spacecraft Formationkeeping With Consideration of Ballistic Coefficient Control," AIAA 26th Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AA-88-0375, Jan. 1988.
Carolina Lee Leonard, "Formationkeeping of Spacecraft Via Differential Drag," M.S. Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Jul. 1986.
Gregg E. Burgess, "Orbit Formation Determination and Maintenance of A Space Station Communications Platform System," M.S. Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, May 1985.
Richard H. Vassar and Richard B. Sherwood, "Formationkeeping for a Pair of Satellites in a Circular Orbit," AIAA Journal of Guidance and Control, Mar.-Apr. 1985, pp. 235-242.
Cotter, "Solar Sailing" Sandia Corp SCR-78 Apr. 1959.

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