Abstract
For the low-cost improvement of laser communication, which is critical for various applications such as surveillance systems, a study was conducted on relative distance control based on orbital drift rate modulations for multiple CubeSats during formation flying. The VISION mission covered in this paper comprises two CubeSats to demonstrate laser communication technology in space. During the mission, the deputy CubeSat changes the relative distance to execute mission objectives within various scenarios. Impulsive controls decrease, maintain, and increase the relative distance between the CubeSats by changing the orbital drift rates. The simulation results indicated that the desired orbital operation can be conducted within a given ΔV budget. In addition, the errors in the orbit determination, thrust maneuvers, and time synchronization were analyzed to satisfy the mission requirements. The mass-to-area ratio should be matched to adjust the relative distance between satellites with different properties by drift rate modulation. The proposed orbit control method appropriately operated the VISION mission by adjusting the drift rate modulation. The results of this study serve as a basis for the development of complex orbit control simulations and detailed designs that reflect the characteristics of the thrust module and operational aspects.
Highlights
Conceptual of VISIONThe demonstr between CubeSats at various relative distances. tion between CubeSats at various relative distances
Was performed the position and velocity of a CubeSat with high accuracy based on global navigation mate the position and velocity of a CubeSat with high accuracy based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
Distance.InInthis thisstudy, study, consists we designed the method for controlling the relative distances for the practical mission we designed the method for controlling the relative distances for the practical mission by by adjusting the drift rate using impulsive control
Summary
The demonstr between CubeSats at various relative distances. tion between CubeSats at various relative distances. In the CANYVAL-X misbeSats can be decreased analyzed determine the influence ofdrag laser communic sion, two CubeSats theto relative distance using differential air control to demonstrate the vision alignment system, which is a core technology of the virtual space distance. In the VISION mission, the drift rate modulation using the J2 perturbations can change the relative distance over long periods of time using less fuel. This method can maintain the relative distance within a few kilometers without determining the relative orbit. The requirements for repeatedly decreasing and increasing relative distance and precise relative distance maintenance were analyzed for the VISION mission.
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