Differential drag for cluster flight using mean orbital elements

Ohad Ben-Yaacov, Pini Gurfil

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Differential drag (DD) as a means for passive satellite cluster keeping is an old idea, but so far using DD-based cluster keeping while relying on mean orbital elements feedback has not been proposed. This paper develops a DD-based maximum distance keeping method that uses Brouwer-Lyddane differential mean elements feedback for long-term control of the secular drift among satellites. The stability of the maximum distance keeping controller is proven using finite-time stability theory, and high-precision simulation results confirm that the new controller is able to arrest satellite relative drift for mission lifetimes exceeding a year. The maximum distance controller is automatically activated, and does not require a pre-determined activation time.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication54th Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences 2014
Pages564-571
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2014
Event54th Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences, IACAS 2014 - Tel-Aviv and Haifa, Israel
Duration: 19 Feb 201420 Feb 2014

Publication series

Name54th Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences 2014
Volume1

Conference

Conference54th Israel Annual Conference on Aerospace Sciences, IACAS 2014
Country/TerritoryIsrael
CityTel-Aviv and Haifa
Period19/02/1420/02/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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