Natural Companion Formation

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A formation exploiting the natural periodic solution of linearized relative motion near a DRO, where the deputy flies along a periodic trajectory ahead of or behind the chief without active control. The deputy maintains distances from meters to hundreds of kilometers and can persist naturally over long durations, suitable for rendezvous and docking parking phases.

Application Value

This term在cislunar space missions中has important application value. In orbit design, it can be used foroptimizing transfer trajectories, reducing mission fuel consumption. In attitude control and dynamics analysis, it helps understandthe motion characteristics of spacecraft in complex gravitational fields, providing theoretical support for mission planning. In navigation and orbit determination, methods based on this termcan improve orbit prediction accuracy, supporting the development of autonomous navigation algorithms.

  • Periodicity Conditions in Relative Orbital Motion
  • Helix Formation
  • Energy Dissipation Method
  • Unstable Manifold

References

  • 航空学报, 2023, 44(5): 326563
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong