Distributed estimation, communication and control for deep space formations

Abstract

Spacecraft formations in deep space give a means of implementing science instruments on a physical scale not possible with an individual spacecraft. Interferometric imaging is one application requiring a large spacecraft separation and extremely high relative position precision in order to image planets in other solar systems. Deep-space missions typically also require a high-level of autonomy, and the proposed distributed architectures for control and coordination, that are consistent with these requirements. Each spacecraft estimates the full state of the formation in order to calculate its optimal control action. Disagreements between estimates on the spacecraft lead to unanticipated dynamics and it is shown how communication may be used to ameliorate the effect of these dynamics. The relationship between the communication topology and the closed-loop system dynamics is presented.