Adaptive control for two-spacecraft electromagnetic formation keeping

Abstract

Electromagnetic spacecraft formation flying is a new type of spacecraft formation using electromagnetic forces between spacecraft to control relative motion. Primary principles of the relative motion of a two-craft electromagnetic formation were discussed. Analytical solutions of control magnetic moments according to commanded control forces for the case of two-spacecraft electromagnetic formation were developed considering the energy consumption equilibrium. Nonlinear relative motion dynamic models for a two-spacecraft electromagnetic formation were derived based on polar coordinates. Parameter uncertainties of the equations because of the approximation of the electromagnetic model and unknown disturbed forces were analyzed. Nonlinear adaptive feedback control laws for formation keeping were then designed,and the closed-loop dynamic procedure of a two-spacecraft electromagnetic formation in a low earth circular orbit was simulated. Results indicate that the relative motion equations and the adaptive control laws are valid. The formation can effectively converge to desired states and the unknown parameters are estimated accurately. The simulations demonstrate that electromagnetic forces between spacecraft can be used to realize spacecraft formation keeping and the electromagnetic formation flying is feasible.