Informing Spacecraft Maneuver Decisions to Reduce Probability of Collision.

摘要

Space is becoming increasingly congested as more objects are launched into orbit. The potential for a collision on orbit increases each time a new object enters space. This thesis presents a methodology to determine an optimal direction to maneuver a satellite that may be involved in a potential collision. The author presents a paradigm to determine the optimal direction of maneuver to achieve the lowest probability of collision, and examines how different magnitudes of a maneuver will affect the probability of collision. The methodology shows that if a satellite maneuvers in the optimal direction at any time during the orbit, except incremental periods and half periods, the probability of collision is reduced to a negligible amount. This provides a means to determine a maneuver direction and magnitude that will remove satellites from the potential collision area, while minimizing the resources necessary and maintaining mission quality.