Optimal spacecraft formation establishment and reconfiguration propelled by the geomagnetic Lorentz force

The Lorentz force acting on an electrostatically charged spacecraft as it moves through the planetary magnetic field could be utilized as propellantless electromagnetic propulsion for orbital maneuvering, such as spacecraft formation establishment and formation reconfiguration. By assuming that the Earth’s magnetic field could be modeled as a tilted dipole located at the center of Earth that corotates with Earth, a dynamical model that describes the relative orbital motion of Lorentz spacecraft is developed. Based on the proposed dynamical model, the energy-optimal open-loop trajectories of control inputs, namely, the required specific charges of Lorentz spacecraft, for Lorentz-propelled spacecraft formation establishment or reconfiguration problems with both fixed and free final conditions constraints are derived via Gauss pseudospectral method. The effect of the magnetic dipole tilt angle on the optimal control inputs and the relative transfer trajectories for formation establishment or reconfiguration is also investigated by comparisons with the results derived from a nontilted dipole model. Furthermore, a closed-loop integral sliding mode controller is designed to guarantee the trajectory tracking in the presence of external disturbances and modeling errors. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based approach. Numerical simulations are presented to verify the validity of the proposed open-loop control methods and demonstrate the performance of the closed-loop controller. Also, the results indicate the dipole tilt angle should be considered when designing control strategies for Lorentz-propelled spacecraft formation establishment or reconfiguration.     

深空测控网干涉测量系统在“鹊桥”任务中的应用分析

在"嫦娥4号"任务的第一阶段—"鹊桥"阶段,北京航天飞行控制中心利用佳木斯及喀什深空站对"鹊桥"进行了干涉测量观测,获取了实时与事后的高精度测角观测量,有效支持了任务的实施。两深空站需同时完成测控任务,无法交替射电源观测来进行系统差标校,基于此系统采用了长时间隔、在航天器观测前及双站结束后观测射电源的标校方法,在地月转移段、月球至L2转移段、Halo轨道形成段开展了多次干涉测量观测,所获得的时延、时延率结果直接应用于事后联合轨道确定,结果表明:深空网的时延观测精度约为3 ns。     

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.     

Spacecraft fuel-optimal and balancing maneuvers for a class of formation reconfiguration problems

This paper presents fuel optimal and balancing methodologies for reconfiguring multiple spacecraft in formation subject to a Newtonian gravity field. For a kind of continuous-thrust propulsion system, a fuel-optimal control problem is formulated to minimize the integral squared control subject to the linearized Hill or Clohessy–Wiltshire dynamics of relative motion with respect to a circular reference orbit. Palmer’s analytical solution for general reconfiguration is adapted to maneuvers between projected circular orbits, resulting in the optimal fuel consumption index as a function of configuration parameters such as orbit radius, phase angle, and transfer time. Parametric analyses reveal unique characteristics of individual fuel optimality and gross fuel consumption: for an arbitrary selection of initial/terminal orbit radii, (i) there exist special transfer times such that individual fuel consumption is optimally uniform for all phase angles, and (ii) the total fuel expenditure for a group of three or more spacecraft is invariant for the relatively same configuration with respect to the departure phase. These results serve to effectively design fuel balancing strategies for formation reconfiguration of multiple spacecraft.     

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.     

Optimal mission planning of the reconfiguration process of satellite constellations through orbital maneuvers: A novel technical framework

In this paper, a general new methodology is presented for the orbital reconfiguration of satellite constellations on the basis of Lambert targeting theorem. In view of the cost and risk reduction, it is very important to consider the problem of satellite constellation reconfiguration with the two constraints of overall mission cost minimization and the desired final configuration. Hence, the dependent non-simultaneous deployment approach is proposed to minimize overall fuel cost. Despite the fact that the satellites deploy in a non-simultaneous manner, supplementary phasing maneuvers on the target orbital pattern to achieve the desired orbital configuration are avoided. Moreover, a novel idea is presented to optimize the flight of satellites, which plays an important role in complying with the constraint of overall fuel cost minimization as much as possible. In order to achieve the global optimal solution of the satellite constellation reconfiguration problem, the efficient hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization/Genetic Algorithm (PSO/GA) technique, is implemented. Finally, to indicate the superiority of the presented method, a comparison to the simultaneous maneuver viewpoint is made on a number of representative cases. The obtained results imply significant reduction of reconfiguration costs by employing the proposed method.     

在轨航天器撞击解体特性分析与计算

对在轨航天器撞击解体问题进行了研究, 基于NASA 标准解体模型, 给出了在轨航天器撞击解体算法, 重点分析了解体计算时应该满足的几个约束条件. 编写了该算法的通用仿真计算程序, 并通过与P-78 卫星解体事件的实测数据比较验证了算法和程序的正确性. 研究结果对预测分析在轨撞击事件的毁伤特性具有重要的参考价值.      

Time-optimal trajectories to circumsolar space using solar electric propulsion

The aim of this paper is to explore the capabilities of a solar electric propelled spacecraft on a mission towards circumsolar space. Using an indirect approach, the paper investigates minimum time of transfer (direct) trajectories from an initial heliocentric parking orbit to a desired final heliocentric target orbit, with a low perihelion radius and a high orbital inclination. The simulation results are then collected into graphs and tables for a trade-off analysis of the main mission parameters. Finally, a comparison of the performance between a solar electric and a (photonic) solar sail based spacecraft is discussed.     

卫星运动对星间双向法时间同步的影响分析与校正

编队飞行卫星间的距离和时间差测量是实现分布式航天器完成特定任务的重要基础。文章分析了采用双向法实现星间距离和时间差测量处理时,卫星运动对星间双向比对测量的影响,推导出在考虑卫星运动情况下,星间双向比对测量数据的处理算法,给出了忽略卫星运行参数情况下,对距离和时间差计算结果的影响情况对比。     

圆及椭圆轨道释放绳系子星的方法研究

研究绳系卫星系统质心沿椭圆轨道运动时，子星释放的最佳初始条件，运用变量替代简化动力学控制方程；对圆轨道运动的母星，采用轨道转移方法释放子星，计算弹射变轨参数及过渡轨道终了真近点角。本文取消母星质量远大于子星质量的假设，考虑子星释放过程中绳系卫星系统质心随子星运动的变化，所得结果更具有普遍意义。数值模拟结果表明，所述方法的有效性。     

分布式卫星嵌入式计算机系统结构设计方法

针对分布式卫星的运行环境和任务特点,综合考虑分布式卫星嵌入式计算机系统在可靠性、安全性和实时性方面的要求,提出了一种基于三级容错的主辅式双系统体系结构设计方法。论文分析了分布式卫星的特点和星上嵌入式计算机系统的设计要求,对三级容错设计、主辅式双系统安全设计以及基于可信平台模块(TPM)的辅系统设计进行了详细的阐述。该设计方法已成功应用于地面原理验证系统中,结果表明其可以很好地解决分布式卫星嵌入式计算机系统的可靠性、安全性和实时性问题。     

Formation flying reconfiguration manoeuvres via environmental forces in highly elliptical orbits

A study on reconfiguration manoevres applied to a tetrahedral formation in highly elliptical orbits is proposed, by using a propellantless solution. The manoeuvring strategy consists in exploiting certain environmental forces, specifically those provided by solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag, by actively controlling the satellites’ attitudes. Through inverse dynamics particle swarm optimization the optimal attitudes required for the manoeuvres are evaluated, whereas the configuration’s evolution is simulated by a high-fidelity orbital simulator. The goal of the reconfiguration problem is to find an optimal control in order for the four spacecraft to reach a desired configuration in a specified portion of orbit, where the desired configuration is evaluated by a shape and size geometric parameter. By increasing the manoeuvring time and the satellites’ area to mass ratio, all the case studies considered are successfully verified.     

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.     

小卫星编队飞行及其轨道构成

由若干颗小卫星编队飞行组成一个分布式卫星 ,其功能相当或超过一颗大卫星 ,也称为虚拟卫星 ,这将开拓小卫星一个完全崭新的应用领域。文章首先论述编队飞行概念和轨道构成 ;其次讨论虚拟卫星可能的应用实例。     

Multi-agent Q-Learning control of spacecraft formation flying reconfiguration trajectories

This paper presents a novel approach based on multi-agent reinforcement learning for spacecraft formation flying reconfiguration tracking problems. In this scheme, spacecrafts learn the control strategy via transfer learning. For this matter, a new generalized discounted value function is introduced for the tracking problems. Due to the digital nature of spacecraft computer systems, local optimal controllers are developed for the spacecrafts in discrete-time. The stability of the controller is proven. Two Q-learning algorithms are proposed, in each of which the optimal control solution is learned on-line without knowledge about the system dynamics. In the first algorithm, each agent learns the optimal control independently. In the second one, each agent shares the learned information with other agents. Next, the collision avoidance capability is provided. The effectiveness of the presented schemes is verified through simulations and compared with each other.     

基于终端滑模的卫星编队飞行有限时间控制

针对考虑参考星机动的编队飞行相对位置控制问题,给出了一种基于终端滑模的有限时间控制方法. 基于编队卫星相对运动动力学模型,设计了有限时间终端滑模控制器,同时证明了该控制器作用下系统状态误差可在有限时间内收敛. 以编队构型重构和考虑参考星机动时的构型保持控制为例,利用本文控制方法进行了仿真分析. 仿真结果表明,基于终端滑模的有限时间控制方法相比于传统的线性滑模控制方法,在保证编队飞行控制高精度的同时,有效提升了误差的收敛速度,验证了该方法的有效性和优越性.      

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。      

簇飞行航天器网络动态连接和路径时空演进特性

簇飞行航天器模块的高速飞行增加了网络拓扑的不确定性.为优化簇飞行航天器的轨道设计,提升簇飞行航天器网络性能,在簇飞行航天器节点动态连接的基础上,开展基于概率连接矩阵的簇飞行航天器网络动态连接和路径时空演进特性研究.基于航天器双星伴飞模式,建立了簇飞行航天器节点移动模型,运用经验统计和曲线拟合的分析方法,得到簇飞行航天器网络节点间的距离密度函数;利用簇飞行航天器网络节点间相对距离有界的约束,给出节点连接距离的阈值范围;利用STK生成的轨道数据,通过给出序贯路径定义和一种新的矩阵乘法运算,得到节点多跳序贯路径的概率连接矩阵,分析轨道超周期内节点动态连接和路径时空演进特性,为簇飞行航天器网络的设计和优化提供理论参考.