Precision Formation Flying and Spacecraft Pointing Using Plasmonic Force Propulsion
Abstract
Precision formation flying and spacecraft pointing for swarm mission concepts requires micropropulsion technologies and robust control solutions. Plasmonic force propulsion can provide nanonewton levels of thrust with which some spacecraft control can be realized. This study considers the feasibility of providing precision pointing and orbit control using an array of plasmonic force thruster configurations within the constraints of system level design requirements of the CubeSat platform (with applicability to micro/nano/pico-satellites in general). Results show that pointing and relative position can be maintained for a range of swarm precision formation flight missions.
Recommended Citation
P. Galchenko and H. J. Pernicka, "Precision Formation Flying and Spacecraft Pointing Using Plasmonic Force Propulsion," Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, vol. 162, pp. 3003 - 3015, Univelt Inc., Aug 2017.
Meeting Name
2017 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference (2017: Aug. 20-24, Stevenson, WA)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Astrophysics; Orbits; Plasmonics; Plasmons; Robust control; Formation flight mission; Formation flying; Micro propulsion; Precision pointing; Relative positions; Robust control solutions; Spacecraft control; System level design; Spacecraft propulsion
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-0-87703-645-6
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0065-3438
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2017 Univelt Inc., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Aug 2017
Comments
Portions of this research were supported by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program. Additionally, the authors thank the Missouri University of Science and Technology for partially sponsoring this research.