[KSCI] Korea Science Citation Index Service

http://dx.doi.org/10.5140/JASS.2011.28.4.285

Determination of Initial Conditions for Tetrahedral Satellite Formation

Yoo, Sung-Moon (Space Science Division, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
Park, Sang-Young (Astrodynamics and Control Lab., Department of Astronomy, Yonsei University)

Publication Information

Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences / v.28, no.4, 2011 , pp. 285-290 More about this Journal

Abstract

This paper presents an algorithm that can provide initial conditions for formation flying at the beginning of a region of interest to maximize scientific mission goals in the case of a tetrahedral satellite formation. The performance measure is to maximize the quality factor that affects scientific measurement performance. Several path constraints and periodicity conditions at the beginning of the region of interest are identified. The optimization problem is solved numerically using a direct transcription method. Our numerical results indicate that there exist an optimal configuration and states of a tetrahedral satellite formation. Furthermore, the initial states and algorithm presented here may be used for reconfiguration maneuvers and fuel balancing problems.

Keywords

tetrahedral satellite formation; quality factor; direct transcription method;

Citations & Related Records

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