Relative Dynamics and Control for Satellite Formation: Accommodating J2 Perturbation

摘要

The J2 effect is the dominating perturbation for satellite formation flying missions. In this paper, a linearized satellite relative motion model considering J2 perturbation and eccentricity was derived first. Then, a real-time fuel-optimal continuous low-thrust control approach was proposed for satellite formation control in eccentric orbits on the basis of the developed linear J2 dynamic model. This optimal control problem was converted into a mathematical programming problem by the application of the Legendre pseudospectral method, which makes real-time optimal control feasible. Finally, comprehensive simulation results validated the proposed linearized J2 model and formation control approach.