Dynamics and control of spacecraft hovering using the geomagnetic Lorentz force

To achieve hovering, a spacecraft thrusts continuously to induce an equilibrium state at a desired position. Due to the constraints on the quantity of propellant onboard, long-time hovering around low-Earth orbits (LEO) is hardly achievable using traditional chemical propulsion. The Lorentz force, acting on an electrostatically charged spacecraft as it moves through a planetary magnetic field, provides a new propellantless method for orbital maneuvers. This paper investigates the feasibility of using the induced Lorentz force as an auxiliary means of propulsion for spacecraft hovering. Assuming that the Earth’s magnetic field is a dipole that rotates with the Earth, a dynamical model that characterizes the relative motion of Lorentz spacecraft is derived to analyze the required open-loop control acceleration for hovering. Based on this dynamical model, we first present the hovering configurations that could achieve propellantless hovering and the corresponding required specific charge of a Lorentz spacecraft. For other configurations, optimal open-loop control laws that minimize the control energy consumption are designed. Likewise, the optimal trajectories of required specific charge and control acceleration are both presented. The effect of orbital inclination on the expenditure of control energy is also analyzed. Further, we also develop a closed-loop control approach for propellantless hovering. Numerical results prove the validity of proposed control methods for hovering and show that hovering around low-Earth orbits would be achievable if the required specific charge of a Lorentz spacecraft becomes feasible in the future. Typically, hovering radially several kilometers above a target in LEO requires specific charges on the order of 0.1 C/kg.     

Optimal spacecraft rendezvous using the combination of aerodynamic force and Lorentz force

This paper presents a propellantless spacecraft rendezvous method by using the optimal combination of aerodynamic force and Lorentz force. Aerodynamic force is provided by the rotations of the plates attached to the spacecraft, and Lorentz force is achieved by modulating spacecraft's electrostatic charge. Considering the limitation of the charging level of the spacecraft and physical constraints of the plates system, an optimal open-loop rendezvous trajectory is designed, which aims to minimize the energy consumed to actuate the hybrid system. The rotation rates of the plates and the electrostatic charge are constrained in the optimization problem, which is solved via the Gauss pseudospectral method. To track the open-loop trajectory in the presence of external perturbations, a novel adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller is designed. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by the Lyapunov-based method. Several numerical examples are conducted to verify the validity of both the open-loop and closed-loop control strategy.     

星间洛仑兹力编队飞行的平衡点及零速度曲面

提出了一种新的利用星间洛仑兹力控制卫星相对运动的方法:使主星产生自旋磁场,副星带电,通过控制副星所受的星间洛仑兹力进行编队。假设主星产生的人造磁场表现为偶极子并且运动在一条开普勒圆形轨道上,副星恒定带电并在主星附近运动,同时假设星间洛仑兹力只影响副星的运动而不影响主星的运动。推导了副星在主星HCW(当地垂直当地地平坐标系)坐标系下的相对运动动力学方程。针对偶极子与HCW坐标轴X轴重合的情况下,推导了动力系统下的平衡点(并采用稳定性分析方法分析其线性化意义下的稳定性)、积分常数和零速度曲面,证明了有界相对运动的存在。最后用数值仿真验证了上述结论。     

High precision dynamic model and control considering J2 perturbation for spacecraft hovering in low orbit

For spacecraft hovering in low orbit, a high precision spacecraft relative dynamics model without any simplification and considering J₂ perturbation is established in this paper. Using the derived model, open-loop control and closed-loop control are proposed respectively. Gauss's variation equations and the coordinate transformation method are combined to deal with the relative J₂ perturbation between the two spacecraft. The sliding mode controller is adopted as the closed-loop controller for spacecraft hovering. To improve the control accuracy, the relative J₂ perturbation is regarded as a known parameter term in the closed-loop controller. The external uncertainty perturbations except J₂ perturbation are estimated by numerical difference method, and the boundary layer method is used to weaken the impact of chattering on the sliding mode controller. The open-loop control of spacecraft hovering with the relative J₂ perturbation and without the relative J₂ perturbation are simulated and compared, and the results prove that the accuracy of open-loop control with relative J₂ perturbation has been significantly improved. Similarly, the simulation of the closed-loop control are presented to validate the effectiveness of the designed sliding mode controller, and the results demonstrate that the designed sliding mode controller including the derived relative J₂ perturbation can guarantee the high accuracy and robustness of spacecraft hovering in long-term mission.     

基于预设性能控制的超紧密航天器编队防避撞协同控制

研究了考虑具有外界干扰和防避撞约束的近地轨道超紧密航天器构型控制问题,将反步控制技术、预设性能控制相结合,提出了一种基于预设性能鲁棒控制的六自由度编队协同鲁棒控制方法。首先,给出了近地轨道完整的编队航天器相对位置和相对姿态非线性动力学方程,并根据状态约束条件转换了相对位置动力学模型。其次,设计了预设性能函数,通过误差转换,建立系统等效误差模型,基于反步法设计了预设性能鲁棒控制器,进一步应用Lyapunov稳定性定理证明了其闭环系统的一致最终有界性。最后在MATLAB/Simulink平台上进行了仿真验证,结果表明了方法的有效性。     

航天器与空间碎片的混合编队重构控制与应用

针对空间碎片清理问题,提出了一种利用航天器与空间碎片混合编队队形重构控制技术捕获碎片的方法。首先,分析了地/月—日系L2拉格朗日平动点附近的限制性三体环境,并建立了编队卫星相对运动动力学模型;其次,提出了以太阳光压力作为航天器与空间碎片编队队形重构的控制力,实现各从星接近空间碎片的目的;最后,设计了基于线性二次型的最优控制器,并在Matlab/Simulink环境下进行仿真实验。仿真结果表明该方法可控制从星到达期望的位置(空间碎片的位置),且太阳帆板的姿态变化在可控范围内,进而证明了该方案可以应用于复杂空间环境下的碎片清理任务。     

偶极倾角对弓激波日下点距离和尾部张角的影响

通过对IMP 8,Geotail,Magion 4和Cluster 1四颗卫星弓激波穿越数据的统计及拟合分析,定量研究了偶极倾角对弓激波日下点距离和尾部张角的影响.结果表明:弓激波日下点距离随偶极倾角绝对值的增大而增大,且偶极倾角为负值时比其为正值时日下点距离增大的幅度更大;弓激波尾部张角随偶极倾角绝对值增大而减小;当偶极倾角由负变为正的时候,弓激波向地球一侧移动,同时尾部张角增大.研究结果为进一步建立包含偶极倾角效应的弓激波模型奠定了基础.      

近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队飞行非线性反馈控制方法

针对近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队飞行的动力学和控制问题, 提出了一种非线性反馈控制方法. 基于电磁力模型和地磁场模型, 分析了地磁场对近地轨道电磁编队的影响; 建立了集群航天器电磁编队高精度相对轨道动力学模型; 基于Lyapunov稳定性理论设计了一种非线性反馈控制律, 利用该方法对两星电磁编队维持控制进行了仿真验证. 仿真结果表明, 地磁场引起的电磁干扰力可以忽略, 但是电磁干扰力矩的影响必须考虑; 近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队是可控的, 所设计的控制方法是可行的.      

面向控制的仿鸽扑翼机纵向动力学建模与分析

鸽子飞行时常采用变频率和变振幅模式来操控翅膀扑动与扭转以达到高效飞行的目的。为了给研究扑翼机控制和分配算法提供通用的设计验证平台,建立包含3个控制输入自由度的仿鸽扑翼机动力学模型,并开展开闭环模型有效性验证。考虑机翼运动惯性力和力矩,基于Kane方程建立仿鸽扑翼机的纵向多刚体非线性模型。选择升降舵偏转角、机翼扑动角振幅和机翼扭转角振幅作为控制输入,定义机翼定周期扑动的操纵机制,估算面向控制模型所需的气动导数和操纵导数,建立面向控制的仿鸽扑翼机线性时变周期系统模型。基于Floquet理论对线性时变周期系统模型进行动稳定性分析,结果与开环时域仿真一致。从闭环角度对模型有效性和适应性进行验证,仿真表明,所建模型能有效反映仿鸽扑翼机时变周期动力学特性,并能支撑控制分配方法的设计研究。      

航天器近距离相对运动的轨迹偏差分析

利用相对可达区(RRD)的概念对航天器在脉冲闭环控制方式下相对运动的轨迹偏差进行了分析。相对可达区是对航天器可能出现位置集合的一种几何描述。当航天器的状态误差服从高斯分布时,相对可达区可表示为随时间变化的误差椭球的集合。考虑航天器飞行过程中存在的不确定性因素,基于闭环控制系统下线性化的相对运动动力学模型,采用协方差分析描述函数法(CADET)对定义航天器误差椭球的协方差矩阵进行了分析,给出了根据协方差矩阵求解相对可达区包络的计算方法。通过将开环和闭环控制系统下的相对可达区包络与1 000次的Monte Carlo仿真结果进行比较,证明了偏差分析方法的适用性与有效性。     

Multiobjective genetic optimization of Earth–Moon trajectories in the restricted four-body problem

In this paper, optimal trajectories of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to Moon using impulsive maneuvers (ΔV maneuvers) are investigated. The total flight time and the summation of impulsive maneuvers ΔV are the objective functions to be minimized. The main celestial bodies influencing the motion of the spacecraft in this journey are Sun, Earth and Moon. Therefore, a three-dimensional restricted four-body problem (R4BP) model is utilized to represent the motion of the spacecraft in the gravitational field of these celestial bodies. The total ΔV of the maneuvers is minimized by eliminating the ΔV required for capturing the spacecraft by Moon. In this regard, only a mid-course impulsive maneuver is utilized for Moon ballistic capture. To achieve such trajectories, the optimization problem is parameterized with respect to the orbital elements of the ballistic capture orbits around Moon, the arrival date and a mid-course maneuver time. The equations of motion are solved backward in time with three impulsive maneuvers up to a specified low Earth parking orbit. The results show high potential and capability of this type of parameterization in finding several Pareto-optimal trajectories. Using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with crowding distance sorting (NSGA-II) for the resulting multiobjective optimization problem, several trajectories are discovered. The resulting trajectories of the presented scheme permit alternative trade-off studies by designers incorporating higher level information and mission priorities.     

太阳帆航天器编队维持和重构的方法研究

针对高面质比航天器可以利用太阳光压进行轨道控制的特点,本文提出一种太阳帆航天器编队构型维持和重构的方法.该方法通过控制主从航天器太阳帆姿态角和反射系数,调整主从航天器之间的光压差,产生抵消编队成员间相对运动受到摄动差或进行轨道机动时所需的连续小推力,从而实现编队构型的维持和重构.仿真结果表明,在主航天器太阳帆的姿态角和反射系数相对固定的条件下,对于太阳同步轨道上的高面质比太阳帆航天器编队,使用滑模控制方法,能够调整编队中从航天器太阳帆的姿态角和反射系数产生推力抵消摄动力影响,达到长期维持太阳帆航天器编队构型的目的;通过开环控制方法,能够调整编队中从航天器太阳帆的姿态角和反射系数产生连续小推力,在较长时间周期内实现编队重构.     

电磁航天器编队位置跟踪自适应协同控制

通过引入一致性理论针对电磁航天器编队相对位置协同控制问题设计了自适应协同控制器。分析了电磁航天器编队的基本原理,建立了电磁航天器编队相对运动精确的非线性动力学方程。基于电磁力远场计算模型的不确定性,对相对运动动力学模型进行了修正。在电磁力计算模型不确定和航天器间存在通信时延的条件下,对位置跟踪控制的目标设计了自适应协同控制器。考虑到电磁航天器磁矩产生能力的不同,给出了通过优化进行磁矩分配的方案。通过仿真表明:所设计的自适应协同控制器不仅实现了对期望轨迹的准确跟踪,而且相比人工势函数法,暂态维持编队构型的能力提高了4.9倍,并且所给出的磁矩分配方案实现了磁矩的合理分配。     

Space-based line-of-sight tracking control of GEO target using nonsingular terminal sliding mode

This paper addresses the issue of high-precision line-of-sight (LOS) tracking of geosynchronous earth orbit target in highly dynamic conditions via spacecraft attitude maneuver. First, characteristics of the LOS motion are analyzed by a simplified linear relative motion model. Second, after transforming the quaternion-based attitude model into a double integrator system, a new nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller is proposed for spacecraft attitude tracking in a nominal case without parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. Third, an adaptive new nonsingular terminal mode controller is proposed for spacecraft attitude tracking in an uncertain case, which is done via constructing a pair of adaptive laws to estimate the parametric uncertainties and external disturbances online. The robust stability and finite time convergence property of the closed-loop system are demonstrated by Lyapunov theorem. Under control of the proposed controller, zero steady state error tracking of LOS with a smooth transition phase can be achieved in scheduled time, regardless of parametric uncertainties and external disturbances online. Finally, detailed numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed controllers. Contrasting simulation results shows that proposed controllers can track the desired trajectories effectively and have better performance against the controllers based on linear sliding mode and the existing fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode.     

Synergistic approach of asteroid exploitation and planetary protection

The asteroid and cometary impact hazard has long been recognised as an important issue requiring risk assessment and contingency planning. At the same time asteroids have also been acknowledged as possible sources of raw materials for future large-scale space engineering ventures. This paper explores possible synergies between these two apparently opposed views; planetary protection and space resource exploitation. In particular, the paper assumes a 5 tonne low-thrust spacecraft as a baseline for asteroid deflection and capture (or resource transport) missions. The system is assumed to land on the asteroid and provide a continuous thrust able to modify the orbit of the asteroid according to the mission objective. The paper analyses the capability of such a near-term system to provide both planetary protection and asteroid resources to Earth. Results show that a 5 tonne spacecraft could provide a high level of protection for modest impact hazards: airburst and local damage events (caused by 15–170 m diameter objects). At the same time, the same spacecraft could also be used to transport to bound Earth orbits significant quantities of material through judicious use of orbital dynamics and passively safe aero-capture manoeuvres or low energy ballistic capture. As will be shown, a 5 tonne low-thrust spacecraft could potentially transport between 12 and 350 times its own mass of asteroid resources by means of ballistic capture or aero-capture trajectories that pose very low dynamical pressures on the object.     

电磁航天器编队悬停鲁棒协同控制方法

针对电磁航天器编队近地轨道悬停问题,提出一种在缺少参考轨道准确信息时的协同控制方法。用TH方程描述航天器间的相对运动,选择与参考轨道同周期的圆轨道为标称轨道。将参考轨道相对于标称圆轨道的偏差、地球非球形引力、大气阻力及其他天体引力等参数单独归类,视其为不确定量,构成不确定系统。通过引入一致性理论,在电磁作用模型和动力学方程均存在不确定性的条件下,针对航天器编队悬停的目标设计了鲁棒协同控制律。考虑能量消耗最优和均衡以及轨道姿态解耦,给出了通过优化进行磁矩配置的方案。仿真结果表明,所设计的鲁棒协同控制律能够实现编队电磁航天器高精度悬停,所给出的磁矩配置方案能够实现磁矩的合理分配。      

Formation flying for magnetic sails around artificial equilibrium points

This paper investigates the problem of magnetic sail-based spacecraft formation control around the artificial equilibrium points (AEPs), which can eliminate the requirement of the propellant. The thrusts are achieved by utilizing the interaction between the solar wind and the artificial magnetosphere generated by superconducting current coil onboard. The circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) of magnetic sail is discussed including the allowed regions and linear stability of AEPs, the locations of collinear AEPs and the possibility of existence of periodic orbits around the collinear AEPs. Next, the dynamical models of magnetic sail formation around the collinear AEPs are established. A novel fast fixed-time nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller (FFNTSM) based on fixed-time disturbance observer (FTDO) is developed to account for external disturbances. Several numerical simulations are conducted to substantiate that spacecraft formation can be precisely controlled by the proposed propellantless propulsion method in the presence of external disturbances.     

可实现定点停泊与轨迹逼近的航天器交会控制

许多空间任务均需进行轨道交会,据任务的不同,对轨道交会的要求也不同,某些情况下需要跟踪星在交会的过程中暂时停泊于某一点,某些情况下对交会过程的视线角与轨迹提出一定的要求.针对这种需求,设计了一种闭环反馈控制方法,可以使跟踪星在设定的某点进行停泊及停泊保持,也可以沿设定的某条轨迹逼近目标,以满足不同任务对交会过程的不同要求.经仿真表明,此方法能够很好的满足任务要求,并具有精度高、能耗低、跟踪速度快的特点.     

Neural network-based sliding mode control for atmospheric-actuated spacecraft formation using switching strategy

This paper presents an adaptive neural networks-based control method for spacecraft formation with coupled translational and rotational dynamics using only aerodynamic forces. It is assumed that each spacecraft is equipped with several large flat plates. A coupled orbit-attitude dynamic model is considered based on the specific configuration of atmospheric-based actuators. For this model, a neural network-based adaptive sliding mode controller is implemented, accounting for system uncertainties and external perturbations. To avoid invalidation of the neural networks destroying stability of the system, a switching control strategy is proposed which combines an adaptive neural networks controller dominating in its active region and an adaptive sliding mode controller outside the neural active region. An optimal process is developed to determine the control commands for the plates system. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based method. Comparative results through numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of executing attitude control while maintaining the relative motion, and higher control accuracy can be achieved by using the proposed neural-based switching control scheme than using only adaptive sliding mode controller.