Linearized model for satellite station-keeping and tandem formations under the effects of atmospheric drag

Abstract

This work introduces a linearized analytical model for the study of the dynamic of satellites in near circular orbits under the effects of the atmospheric drag. This includes the evaluation of the station keeping required for each satellite subjected to a control box strategy, and also the study of the dynamic of tandem formations between two or more satellites that are located on the same nominal space-track. The model takes into account the effect of the orbit perturbation provoked by the atmospheric drag, while the effects of the Earth gravitation potential are included in the definition of the nominal orbits of the satellites. This allows to easily define the maneuvering strategies for the satellites involved in the tandem formation, and to study their absolute and relative dynamic. In particular, this work focuses on the study of a master–slave scenario and the in plane maneuvers that these satellites require, proposing two different control strategies for the formation.