Satellite Relative Distance Control Using Instantaneous Relative Ellipses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining the relative motion between satellites require high precision and consume excessive fuel due to the need for continuous control under perturbed conditions, especially when maintaining a bounded distance for long-term satellite cluster flight.
Innovation Solution
A distance control method and system that utilizes instantaneous relative ellipses (IRE) to adjust the position of a companion satellite relative to a reference satellite, allowing the inter-satellite distance to vary within set limits by changing the IRE center coordinates, reducing fuel consumption by simplifying the need for precise orbital element control and tolerating perturbations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If continuous control is used to maintain specified relative motion trajectory, then the relative motion accuracy is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements maintenance control only when the deputy satellite enters specific quadrant areas, rather than continuous control. This periodic intervention based on positional triggers reduces fuel consumption while maintaining trajectory accuracy within acceptable bounds during collaborative work periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The control strategy dynamically adjusts between strict maintenance mode (during collaborative work) and loose companion mode (outside collaborative work). The system transitions between these modes based on task requirements, optimizing the balance between trajectory accuracy and fuel consumption.
2Measurement precision
If high precision orbital elements matching is used to maintain bounded relative motion, then the control accuracy is improved, but the navigation and control requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from high-precision orbital elements to simpler relative motion state parameters (position and velocity in LVLH frame). This parameter transformation maintains control accuracy while significantly reducing navigation and control system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LVLH coordinates and instantaneous relative ellipse as intermediary representations between the complex orbital elements and the control objectives. This intermediary framework simplifies the control problem while maintaining accuracy, avoiding the need for high-precision orbital element measurements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If perturbation effects are fully considered in the control model, then the long-term bounded motion is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method uses the natural perturbed relative motion characteristics (instantaneous relative ellipse evolution) to guide the control strategy. Rather than fighting against perturbations, the system leverages them by designing control areas and triggers based on the expected perturbed trajectory patterns, simplifying the control model while maintaining long-term stability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a distance control method of relative motion between satellites, by reducing the distance between a companion satellite and a reference satellite through the first position relation, and increasing the distance between a companion satellite and a reference satellite according to the second position relation, the distance between satellites can be kept between the set maximum distance and the minimum distance. In this way, on the one hand, the inter-satellite distance cannot be too large to ensure that the two satellites are within the maximum distance range required by communication or other cooperative relations. At the same time, the inter-satellite distance cannot be too small, and further avoid the collision between the two satellites. The method is capable of tolerating the effect of satellite orbit perturbation, allowing the inter-satellite distance to vary naturally between maximum and minimum distances, and thus saving control fuel consumption.