Thruster Pointing Constrained Optimal Control for Satellite Servicing using Indirect Optimization

Himmat Panag, Robyn Woollands

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Future space missions such as in-space assembly of telescopes and on-orbit servicing require planning rendezvous and proximity operation trajectories that avoid thruster induced contamination of delicate components onboard the client spacecraft. Many spacecraft contain sensitive instruments or payloads which are prone to contamination by the thruster plumes of the servicing craft (chaser) and extreme care must be taken when performing rendezvous, proximity operations and docking during the servicing and assembly parts of the mission. In this work we introduce a thruster pointing constraint into an optimal control problem and solve it using indirect optimization techniques. The approach is simple to extend to different dynamical systems and the resulting (locally) fuel optimal trajectory significantly reduces the plume induced contamination, enabling a host of future servicing space missions. In this work we present results of rendezvous trajectories under Clohessy-Wiltshire dynamics with a minimum thruster pointing constraint of 28◦ with respect to the target.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2024Jan 12 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/8/241/12/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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