Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Study on relative orbital configuration in satellite formation flying

  • Published:
Acta Mechanica Sinica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

In this paper, the relative orbital configurations of satellites in formation flying with non-perturbation and J2 perturbation are studied, and an orbital elements method is proposed to obtain the relative orbital configurations of satellites in formation. Firstly, under the condition of non-perturbation, we obtain many shapes of relative orbital configurations when the semi-major axes of satellites are equal. These shapes can be lines, ellipses or distorted closed curves. Secondly, on the basis of the analysis of J2 effect on relative orbital configurations, we find out that J2 effect can induce two kinds of changes of relative orbital configurations. They are distortion and drifting, respectively. In addition, when J2 perturbation is concerned, we also find that the semi-major axes of the leading and following satellites should not be the same exactly in order to decrease the J2 effect. The relationship of relative orbital elements and J2 effect is obtained through simulations. Finally, the minimum relation perturbation conditions are established in order to reduce the influence of the J2 effect. The results show that the minimum relation perturbation conditions can reduce the J2 effect significantly when the orbital element differences are small enough, and they can become rules for the design of satellite formation flying.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Kapila, V., Sparks, A.G., Buffington, J.M.: Spacecraft formation flying: dynamics and control. In: Proceeding of the American Control Conference, San Diego, California, 4137–4141, 1999

  2. Yedavalli, R.K., Sparks, A.G.: Satellite formation flying control design based on hybrid control system stability analysis. In: Proceeding of the American Control Conference, Chicago, Illinois 2210–2214, 2000

  3. Yan, Q., Yang, G., Kapila, V.: Nonlinear dynamics and output feedback control of multiple spacecraft in elliptical orbits. In: Proceeding of the American Control Conference, Chicago, Illinois 839–843, 2000

  4. Wang, P.K.C., Hadaegh, F.Y.: Coordination and control of multiple microspacecraft moving in formation. Journal of Astronautical Science 44(3), 315–355 (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Baoyin, H.X., Li, J.F., Gao, Y.F.: Dynamical behaviors and relative configurations of satellites formation flying. Aerospace Science and Technology 42(4), 459–461 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Gao, Y.F., Li, J.F., Baoyin, H.X.: Dynamics behavior and simulation of relative configurations of satellite formation flying. Journal of Tsinghua University (Science and technology) 42(4), 458–461 (2002) (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Li, X., Li, J.F., Gao, Y.F.: Relative orbital configuration for satellite formation flying. J Tsinghua University (Science and technology) 42(11), 1496–1499 (2002) (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Li, J.F., Gao, Y.F., Baoyin, H.X.: Study on satellite formation flying dynamics and control. Mechanics in Engineering 24(2), 1–6 (2002) (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Sabol, C., Burn, R., McLaughlin, C.A.: Satellite formation flying design and evolution. Journal of satellite and Rockets 38(2), 270–278 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Feng, X.: Theory of The Orbital Perturbation of An Artificial Earth Satellite, National University of Defence Technology Press, Changsha, 1997 (in Chinese)

  11. Liu, Y.Z.: Attitude Dynamics of Satellite, National Defence Industry Press, Beijing, 1995 (in Chinese)

  12. Zhang, R.W.: Orbit and Attitude Dynamics and Control of Satellite, Beijing University Aeronautics and Astronautics Press, Beijing, 1998 (in Chinese)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    Junfeng Li, Xin Meng, Yunfeng Gao & Xiang Li

Authors
  1. Junfeng Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xin Meng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yunfeng Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiang Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Junfeng Li.

Additional information

The project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10202008) and Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20020003024)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Li, J., Meng, X., Gao, Y. et al. Study on relative orbital configuration in satellite formation flying. ACTA MECH SINICA 21, 87–94 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10409-004-0009-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10409-004-0009-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation