A Test Method for Satellite Autonomous Flight Based on Mixed Propulsion

Abstract

Satellites with chemical propulsion systems have a basic 1:1 relationship between propellant weight and satellite dry weight, while satellites with full-electric propulsion have a significant reduction in satellite weight but a long orbital transition, while satellites with hybrid propulsion systems combined with chemical and electrical propulsion can balance between the two. After the satellite separates from the carrier rocket. it first carries on the chemical propulsion to change the orbit, then throws off the chemical propulsion, reduces the weight, then carries on the full electric propulsion to change the orbit. The whole transfer orbit has a long duration and complex working condition, which requires satellite to complete independently. In this paper, a closed-loop test and verification method for autonomous flight is designed to establish the operating environment of the satellite during autonomous flight State, simulate all kinds of excitation signals needed during autonomous flight of satellite, at the same time, simulate the load characteristics of various driving signals by satellite, and realize the full closed loop test of autonomous flight.