Spacecraft formation flying for Earth-crossing object deflections using a power limited laser ablating

A formation flying strategy with an Earth-crossing object (ECO) is proposed to avoid the Earth collision. Assuming that a future conceptual spacecraft equipped with a powerful laser ablation tool already rendezvoused with a fictitious Earth collision object, the optimal required laser operating duration and direction histories are accurately derived to miss the Earth. Based on these results, the concept of formation flying between the object and the spacecraft is applied and analyzed as to establish the spacecraft’s orbital motion design strategy. A fictitious “Apophis”-like object is established to impact with the Earth and two major deflection scenarios are designed and analyzed. These scenarios include the cases for the both short and long laser operating duration to avoid the Earth impact. Also, requirement of onboard laser tool’s for both cases are discussed. As a result, the optimal initial conditions for the spacecraft to maintain its relative trajectory to the object are discovered. Additionally, the discovered optimal initial conditions also satisfied the optimal required laser operating conditions with no additional spacecraft’s own fuel expenditure to achieve the spacecraft formation flying with the ECO. The initial conditions founded in the current research can be used as a spacecraft’s initial rendezvous points with the ECO when designing the future deflection missions with laser ablation tools. The results with proposed strategy are expected to make more advances in the fields of the conceptual studies, especially for the future deflection missions using powerful laser ablation tools.     

Towards the automated operations of large distributed satellite systems. Part 2: Classifications and tools

Recent developments have seen a trend towards larger constellations of spacecraft, with some proposals featuring constellations of more than 10.000 satellites. While similar concepts for large constellations already existed in the past, traditional satellite deployments hardly ever feature groups of more than 100 satellites. This trend towards considerably larger satellite numbers originates from non-traditional design and operations of spacecraft by non-traditional space companies. The evolution in the space sector, precipitated by new players, is often referred to as “Space 4.0” or “New Space”. It necessitates a rethinking of the way satellites and satellite constellations are planned, designed, and operated. New operational paradigms are needed to enable automatic, optimal task definition, and scheduling in a holistic approach.This is the second of two companion papers that investigate the operations of distributed satellite systems. This second article investigates the classification of distributed satellite systems and evaluates commercial tools for automated spacecraft operations, whereas the first article performed a survey of conventional and “new space”operations of spacecraft constellations.Classification metrics for constellations are derived and evaluated with respect to their informative value concerning the operation, the automation, and the scalability of the constellation. The proposed classification system is applied to the Dove and RapidEye constellation and allows for a comparison between the presented automation approaches. Commercial tools for automated spacecraft operations are evaluated for several mission task elements, such as orbit control, orbit maintenance, and collision avoidance. Subsequently, the trends, benefits, and standardization needs for operational automation are identified.     

Procedure and methodologies for managing the risk of space object reentry

This paper proposes a procedure for managing the risk of reentering space objects and risk assessment methodologies used for the process. The proposed procedure comprises three phases encompassing the whole reentry stages of space objects. Mathematical models for assessing the impact risk of the reentering space objects by utilizing the information available during different risk management phases and the recommended risk analysis results for public communication are presented. The concept of the conditional casualty expectation is proposed as the metric representing the reentry risk and the method to compute its profile is introduced. A case study on the risk management procedure with the dataset on an actual reentry event is conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed procedure.     

Prediction of landslides using ASTER imagery and data mining models

The aim of this study was to identify landslide-related factors using only remotely sensed data and to present landslide susceptibility maps using a geographic information system, data-mining models, an artificial neural network (ANN), and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system (ANFIS). Landslide-related factors were identified in Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery. The slope, aspect, and curvature of topographic features were calculated from a digital elevation model that was made using the ASTER imagery. Lineaments, land-cover, and normalized difference vegetative index layers were also extracted from the imagery. Landslide-susceptible areas were analyzed and mapped based on occurrence factors using the ANN and ANFIS. The generalized bell-shaped built-in membership function of the ANFIS was applied to landslide susceptibility mapping. Analytical results were validated using landslide test location data. In the validation results, the ANN model showed 80.42% prediction accuracy and the ANFIS model showed 86.55% prediction accuracy. These results suggest that the ANFIS model has a better performance than does the ANN in predicting landslide susceptibility.     

Satellite formation reconfiguration and station-keeping using state-dependent Riccati equation technique

The current paper presents optimal reconfigurations and formation-keeping for formation flying satellites. The state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique is utilized as a non-linear controller for both the reconfiguration problem and formation-keeping problem. For the SDRE controller, a state-dependent coefficient (SDC) form is formulated to include non-linearities in the relative dynamics and J₂ orbital perturbation. The Taylor series and a transformation matrix are used to establish the SDC form. Optimal reconfiguration trajectories that minimize energy in satellite formation flying are obtained by the SDRE controller and compared with those obtained from a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and a linear parameter varying (LPV) control method. It is illustrated that the SDRE non-linear controller of the current study obtains relocation accuracy of less than 0.1% of formation base-line length, while the LQR controller and LPV controller yield relatively large relocation errors. The formation-keeping controller developed using the SDRE technique in the current study also provides robustness under severe orbital perturbations.     

Adaptive nonlinear guidance law considering control loop dynamics

A new adaptive nonlinear guidance law is proposed here. The fourth order state equation for integrated guidance and control loop is formulated taking into consideration the target uncertainties and control loop dynamics. The state equation is further changed into the normal form by nonlinear coordinate transformation. Using the normal form of state equation, an adaptive nonlinear guidance law is proposed to compensate for the uncertainties in both target acceleration and control loop dynamics. The proposed law adopts the sliding mode control approach with adaptation for unknown bound of uncertainties. The present approach can effectively solve the existing guidance problem against target maneuver and the limited performance of control loop. We have provided the stability analyses and performed simulations comparing favorably our approach to the state of the art.     

Step load response of a current-mode-controlled DC-to-DC converter

This paper analyzes the step load response of a current-mode-controlled pulsewidth modulation (PWM) converter and also presents design guidelines for obtaining a good step load response. Analytical expressions for the step load response are derived in terms of the power stage and feedback compensation parameters. Control design to minimize the overshoot and settling time of the output voltage is presented. Analysis results are verified by large-signal simulations.     

Adaptive control for feedback-linearized missiles withuncertainties

A robust adaptive control scheme is proposed that can be applied to a practical autopilot design for feedback-linearized skid-to-turn (STT) missiles with aerodynamic uncertainties. The approach is to add a robust adaptive controller to a feedback-linearizing controller in order to reduce the influence of the aerodynamic uncertainties. The proposed robust adaptive control scheme is based on a sliding mode control technique with an adaptive law for estimating the unknown upper bounds of uncertain parameters. A feature of the proposed scheme is that missile systems with aerodynamic uncertainties can be controlled effectively over a wide operating range of flight conditions. It is shown, using Lyapunov stability theory, that the proposed scheme can give sufficient tracking capability and stability for a feedback-linearized STT missile with aerodynamic uncertainties. The six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear simulation results also show that good performance for several uncertainty models and engagement scenarios can be achieved by the proposed scheme in practical night conditions     

Linear time-varying eigenstructure assignment with flight control application

This work is concerned with the assignment of a desired PD-eigenstructure for linear time-varying systems. Despite its well-known limitations, gain scheduling control appeared to be a focus of the research efforts. Scheduling of frozen-time, frozen-state controllers for fast time-varying dynamics is known to be mathematically fallacious, and practically hazardous. Therefore, recent research efforts are being directed towards applying time-varying controllers. In this paper we: 1) introduce a differential algebraic eigenvalue theory for linear time-varying systems; and 2) propose a PD-eigenstructure assignment scheme via a differential Sylvester equation and a command generator tracker (CGT) for linear time-varying systems. The PD-eigenstructure assignment is utilized as a regulator. A feedforward gain for tracking control is computed by using the command generator tracker. The whole design procedures of the proposed PD-eigenstructure assignment scheme are systematic in nature. The scheme could be used to determine the stability of linear time-varying systems easily as well as to provide a new horizon of designing controllers for the linear time-varying systems. A missile flight control application is presented to validate the proposed schemes.     

An introduction to the lunar and planetary science activities in Korea

Korea is planning a series of lunar space programs in 2020 starting with a lunar orbiter and a lander with a rover. Compared to other countries, Korea has a relatively brief history in space and planetary sciences. With the expected Korean missions on the near-term horizon and the relatively few Korean planetary scientists, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has established a new planetary research group focusing on development of prospective lunar instruments, analysis of the publicly available planetary data of the Moon, organizing nationwide planetary workshops, and initiating planetary educational programs with academic institutions. Korea has also initiated its own rocket development program, which could acquire a rocket-launch capability toward the Korean lunar mission. For the prospective Korea’s lunar science program, feasibility studies for some candidate science payloads have been started since 2010 for an orbiter and a lander. The concept design of each candidate instrument has been accomplished in 2012. It is expected that the development of science payloads may start by 2014 as Phase A. Not only developing hardware required for the lunar mission but also educational activities for young students are high priorities for Korea. The new plan of the Korean lunar mission can be successfully accomplished with international cooperative outreach programs in conjunction with internationally accessible planetary data system (PDS). This paper introduces the KIGAM’s international cooperative planetary research and educational programs and also summarizes other nationwide new developments for Korean lunar research projects at Kyung Hee University and Hanyang University.