Roto-translational spacecraft formation control using aerodynamic forces

摘要

This paper investigates the problem of controlling both translational and rotational motions for small-satellite formation using only aerodynamic forces. A new arrangement for actuators with six plates mounted on each spacecraft is suggested, such that aerodynamic forces and torques are produced simultaneously. In this work, the coupling between the position and attitude dynamics is unique, which mainly comes from the features of the aerodynamic models and the configuration of atmospheric-based actuators. Thus, a novel coupled orbit-attitude model is established. Considering the uncertainties in the atmospheric-density model at low-Earth orbit, a slidingmode controller is developed based on the coupled model. An optimal process is proposed to determine the particular command, such that it can accurately drive each individual aerodynamic plate, while minimizing the variations of the commands.Aseries of simulations are performed to validate the effectiveness of the method, demonstrating that both position and attitude motion in a formation can be precisely controlled under atmospheric-density uncertainties.