Optimal satellite formation reconfiguration actuated by inter-satellite electromagnetic forces

The inter-satellite electromagnetic forces generated by the magnetic dipoles on neighboring satellites provide an attractive control actuation alternative for satellite formation flight due to the prominent advantages of no propellant consumption or plume contamination. However, the internal force nature as well as the inherent high nonlinearity and coupling of electromagnetic forces bring unique dynamic characteristics and challenges. This paper investigates the nonlinear translational dynamics, trajectory planning and control of formation reconfiguration actuated by inter-satellite electromagnetic forces. The nonlinear translational dynamic model is derived by utilizing analytical mechanics theory; and analysis on the dynamic characteristics is put forward. Optimal reconfiguration trajectories of electromagnetic force actuated formation are studied by applying optimal control theory and the Gauss pseudospectral method. Considering the high nonlinearity and uncertainty in the dynamic model, an inner-and-outer loop combined control strategy based on feedback linearization theory and adaptive terminal sliding mode control is proposed with finite-time convergence capability and good robust performance. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results are presented to validate the feasibility of the proposed translational model, reconfiguration trajectory optimization approach and control strategy.     

Blue and red supergiants and the age structure of the NGC 330 region

We analysed new UBVRI CCD photometry of the massive, blue SMC cluster NGC 330 and its surrounding field. The age structure and a new reddening value for the stellar population in this region of the SMC are derived and the implications for star formation in this part of the SMC and for stellar evolution are discussed.Based on observations obtained at ESO, La Silla     

The entropy in groups – a clue to galaxy formation

The entropy in the hot X-ray gas in groups of galaxies is a fossil of the process of galaxy formation The amount of entropy in these low mass systems considerably exceeds that predicted from structure formation models. To explain these results requires “extra” energy which is a relic of the process of star formation and active galaxy heating. We present new XMM results on the entropy and entropy profiles. These results are inconsistent with pre-heating scenarios which have been developed to explain the entropy floor in groups but are broadly consistent with models of structure formation which include the effects of heating and/or the cooling of the gas. The total entropy in these systems provides a strong constraint on all models of galaxy and group formation, and on the poorly defined feedback process which controls the transformation of gas into stars and thus the formation of structure in the universe.     

VPTIG焊接机器人在铝合金贮箱箱底生产中的应用

简要介绍了焊接机器人系统结构特征,采用VPTIG单面焊双面成型技术进行2A14铝合金焊接试验,获得良好的焊接接头性能,总结出可靠的工艺控制方法.并应用于铝合金贮箱箱底的生产中,产品焊缝经过RT探伤、液压气密试验、氦质谱检漏等检测方法,各项技术指标满足设计要求.     

一种同步自旋卫星姿态控制优化方法

根据同步自旋卫星姿态的运动规律以及自旋卫星姿态的长期实测数据,建立了姿态变化规律方程,采用最小二乘方法求解姿态变化方程,实现对自旋卫星姿态预测,预测误差小于0.05..针对目前工程应用中姿态保持周期短的问题,结合姿态及轨道倾角变化规律,建立目标姿态选取的约束方程,并利用投影梯度法求解约束方程,寻求姿态保持时间长的姿态控制目标.实际应用结果表明：该方法可以延长姿态控制周期,使自旋卫星姿态保持周期达到1 a.     

考虑避免碰撞的编队卫星自适应协同控制

基于势函数法研究具有模型不确定性的编队飞行卫星避免碰撞的自适应协同控制.势函数法的思想为设计碰撞区域势函数值较大,所设计的控制律使得系统势函数具有减小的趋势,从而实现避免碰撞的编队飞行任务.首先,在无外部参考轨迹的情况下,通过引入避免碰撞势函数,提出一种自适应协同控制器,编队卫星最终实现速度一致和避免碰撞.进一步,考虑已知外部参考轨迹的情形,基于新的势函数方法,设计新的自适应协同控制器,能够同时实现避免碰撞、速度一致、卫星跟踪参考轨迹的目的.对于所提出的两种控制方法,均通过合理地应用Lyapunov稳定性理论分析了闭环系统的稳定性.仿真结果表明了所设计控制方法的有效性.     

Scheduling algorithms for rapid imaging using agile Cubesat constellations

Distributed Space Missions such as formation flight and constellations, are being recognized as important Earth Observation solutions to increase measurement samples over space and time. Cubesats are increasing in size (27U, ～40?kg in development) with increasing capabilities to host imager payloads. Given the precise attitude control systems emerging in the commercial market, Cubesats now have the ability to slew and capture images within short notice. We propose a modular framework that combines orbital mechanics, attitude control and scheduling optimization to plan the time-varying, full-body orientation of agile Cubesats in a constellation such that they maximize the number of observed images and observation time, within the constraints of Cubesat hardware specifications. The attitude control strategy combines bang-bang and PD control, with constraints such as power consumption, response time, and stability factored into the optimality computations and a possible extension to PID control to account for disturbances. Schedule optimization is performed using dynamic programming with two levels of heuristics, verified and improved upon using mixed integer linear programming. The automated scheduler is expected to run on ground station resources and the resultant schedules uplinked to the satellites for execution, however it can be adapted for onboard scheduling, contingent on Cubesat hardware and software upgrades. The framework is generalizable over small steerable spacecraft, sensor specifications, imaging objectives and regions of interest, and is demonstrated using multiple 20?kg satellites in Low Earth Orbit for two case studies – rapid imaging of Landsat’s land and coastal images and extended imaging of global, warm water coral reefs. The proposed algorithm captures up to 161% more Landsat images than nadir-pointing sensors with the same field of view, on a 2-satellite constellation over a 12-h simulation. Integer programming was able to verify that optimality of the dynamic programming solution for single satellites was within 10%, and find up to 5% more optimal solutions. The optimality gap for constellations was found to be 22% at worst, but the dynamic programming schedules were found at nearly four orders of magnitude better computational speed than integer programming. The algorithm can include cloud cover predictions, ground downlink windows or any other spatial, temporal or angular constraints into the orbital module and be integrated into planning tools for agile constellations.     

The first results from the Herschel-HIFI mission

This paper contains a summary of the results from the first years of observations with the HIFI instrument onboard ESA’s Herschel space observatory. The paper starts by outlining the goals and possibilities of far-infrared and submillimeter astronomy, the limitations of the Earth’s atmosphere, and the scientific scope of the Herschel-HIFI mission. The presentation of science results from the mission follows the life cycle of gas in galaxies as grouped into five themes: Structure of the interstellar medium, First steps in interstellar chemistry, Formation of stars and planets, Solar system results and Evolved stellar envelopes. The HIFI observations paint a picture where the interstellar medium in galaxies has a mixed, rather than a layered structure; the same conclusion may hold for protoplanetary disks. In addition, the HIFI data show that exchange of matter between comets and asteroids with planets and moons plays a large role. The paper concludes with an outlook to future instrumentation in the far-infrared and submillimeter wavelength ranges.     

多航天器编队在轨自主协同控制研究

提出一种基于信息一致性的分布式协同控制策略,该策略可自主实现多航天器编队 的 构型建立、保持与整体机动。在该策略中,编队内各航天器均具有局部的分层控制结构：参 考点一致性估计层根据各航天器初始状态与编队内信息拓扑,协商估计出多航天器编队整体 系统基准参考点;协同制导层根据编队整体系统模型预测控制方程,采用并行计算方式,规 划各航天器从初始状态到期望构型的期望重构机动路径;协同控制层采用基于二阶一致性算 法的协同反馈控制律,使各航天器彼此协同地跟踪期望路径和整体机动参考信息。仿真结果 表明:当信息拓扑中存在最大生成树时,该策略能够实现多航天器编队构型建立、保持与整 体机动的协同控制,并具有较好鲁棒性。〖JP〗     

卫星编队队形重构中的模型选择

推导了卫星编队进行燃料最优队形重构时,两组Lawden方程（时间域和真近点角域）下所建立目标函数的数学关系,指出在不需要解析解的情况下,动力学模型应选择时间域下的Lawden方程,目标函数应建立在时间域。首先,分别针对脉冲推力和持续推力机动,研究了两组方程下目标函数的差异。然后,以持续推力式重构方法为例,构造了燃料最优目标函数,基于最大值原理,建立了队形重构的两点边值问题。然后,采用边界迭代法求解初始协态变量,确定最优的控制加速度。最后通过数学仿真验证了模型分析的正确性及算法的有效性。