PRISMA – AN AUTONOMOUS FORMATION FLYING MISSION

摘要

PRISMA is an ongoing satellite project comprising twosatellites. The project constitutes an in-orbit test bed forGuidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) algorithmsand sensors for advanced closed-loop formation flyingand rendezvous. The satellites will be launched in alow earth orbit and carry out a series of maneuveringexperiments and sensor experiments during a missiontime of 8-10 months. Autonomous formation flying indecimeter precision will be demonstrated using relativeGPS and Formation Flying RF metrology instruments.Vision based methods using a modified star camerawill demonstrate autonomous homing and rendezvousfrom hundreds of kilometers down to close proximity.Proximity operations based on GPS or opticalinformation shall be demonstrated all the way down toalmost physical contact.A new environmentally friendly, non-toxic chemicalpropulsion system as well as a new MEMS microthrustersystem will be flight demonstrated.