Wang Jianqi, Cao Xibin and Sun Zhaowei
The measurement of geomagnetic field can provide a reliable and economical basis for attitude and orbit information of low earth orbiting satellite. Because the earth's magnetic…
Abstract
The measurement of geomagnetic field can provide a reliable and economical basis for attitude and orbit information of low earth orbiting satellite. Because the earth's magnetic field is a function of position, and its measurement on the orbit are fully observable, orbit estimation can be obtained using extend Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm. With the assistant of angle velocity information from gyro measurement, attitude estimation can also be obtained. At the same time, gyro drift rate estimation is a part of the filter output. Although orbit and attitude determination are independent of each other, the filter can give the orbit and attitude estimation at the same time. The results of the numerical test show that a signal EKF can estimate both orbit and attitude by using magnetometer and gyro measurement only. The accuracy, usually is sufficient for low earth orbiting satellites.
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This paper aims to address the problem of formation control for spacecraft formation in elliptic orbits by using local relative measurements.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address the problem of formation control for spacecraft formation in elliptic orbits by using local relative measurements.
Design/methodology/approach
A decentralized formation control law is proposed to solve the aforementioned problem. The control law for each spacecraft uses only its relative state with respect to the neighboring spacecraft it can sense. These relative states can be acquired by local relative measurements. The formation control problem is converted to n stabilization problems of a single spacecraft by using algebraic graph theories. The resulting relative motion model is described by a linear time-varying system with uncertain parameters. An optimal guaranteed cost control scheme is subsequently used to obtain the desired control performance.
Findings
Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed formation control law.
Practical implications
The proposed control law can be considered as an alternative to global positioning system-based relative navigation and control system for formation flying missions.
Originality/value
The proposed decentralized formation control architecture needs only local relative measurements. Fuel consumption is considered by using an optimal guaranteed cost control scheme.
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Ru Fang, Shijie Zhang and Xibin Cao
Hill equations have definite limitation in the design of multiple spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits. To solve the problem, the design method of spacecraft formation…
Abstract
Purpose
Hill equations have definite limitation in the design of multiple spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits. To solve the problem, the design method of spacecraft formation flying in a circular reference orbit based on Hill equation can be generalized and applied to spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, T‐H equation is expressed as the explicit function form of reference orbit true anomaly, and the state transition matrix of relative motion of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits is derived. According to the requirement that relative dynamics equation of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits has periodicity solution, the paper theoretically gives the initial condition needed by the long‐term close‐distance spacecraft formation flying including the relationship between relative position and relative velocity. Without perturbation the spacecraft formation, which satisfies the initial periodicity restriction, can keep long‐term close‐distance flying without the need of active control.
Findings
Based on the theoretical analysis, some numerical simulations are carried out. The results demonstrate that each spacecraft in eccentric orbits can run in a periodic motion surrounding the center spacecraft under some conditions. And spacecraft formation reconfiguration is implementing according to missions.
Originality/value
Combined with the periodicity restriction primary condition a new method about spacecraft formation reconfiguration is put forward. The method given by this paper can be applied to eccentric orbits of arbitrary eccentricity, and provides theoretical reference for orbit design of spacecraft formation flying in eccentric orbits.
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In this paper, a coordinated attitude control law for a tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) with mobile antennas is proposed. To track or point the target spacecraft with…
Abstract
In this paper, a coordinated attitude control law for a tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) with mobile antennas is proposed. To track or point the target spacecraft with median/law orbit, the large mobile antennas have to move in a wide range, the movement of such mobile antennas disturbing the satellite attitude. Conventionally, the main body of the satellite and the mobile antennas are controlled independently. The proposed controller first estimates the TDRS's angular momentum which the mobile antennas will produce, based on the momentum conservation equation, then adds the estimated angular momentum as a feedforward signal to the conventional control law. The proposed controller is demonstrated using mathematical simulation, the results of which coincide well with analytical results.
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To give a closed‐form solution of the relative pose determination problem based on monocular vision during final approach phase of spacecraft Rendzvous and Docking.
Abstract
Purpose
To give a closed‐form solution of the relative pose determination problem based on monocular vision during final approach phase of spacecraft Rendzvous and Docking.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the assumption of scaled orthographic projection, the model of perspective projection is simplified by representing the relative attitude using unit quaternion. Then a closed‐form solution is derived. Subsequently, this study correct the approximate solution to compensate the error caused by the assumption of scaled orthographic projection.
Findings
Extensive simulation studies were conducted for the validation of the proposed algorithm using Matlab™. When there are no relative attitudes between RVD spacecrafts, target distance for camera=2‐20 m. The simulation results show that the largest relative error of corrected relative position parameters is about 0.12 percent. When distance between RVD spacecrafts exceeds 5 m, the largest error of corrected relative attitude parameters are less than 0.3°. When the distance between spacecrafts are constant, the relative attitude parameters are changed, respectively, the simulition results show the largest relative error of relative position is 1 percent, and largest error of estimated relative attitude is 1.2°, when a relative attitude angle reaches 20°.
Originality/value
The proposed algorithm avoids the multiple results problem in determining the relative position and attitude parameters and the closed‐form solution is simple and effective, is more suitable for on‐board implementation.
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Zhaowei Sun, Yanping Cheng, Yunhai Geng and Xibin Cao
The HITSAT‐1 is the first small satellite developed by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) whose mission objective is to test several pivotal techniques. In the initial orbit…
Abstract
The HITSAT‐1 is the first small satellite developed by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) whose mission objective is to test several pivotal techniques. In the initial orbit period, the satellite is likely to tumble as the result of separating from the rocket. How to capture it promptly with finite magnetic torque is an important problem. In this paper, considering the restrictive conditions of the magnetic field, the variable structure control theory is used to cope with the magnetic torque. Because of using the reaction wheels and magnetorquers as the control actuators, the combination control algorithm has been adopted in the initial orbit period. The results of the computer simulation indicated that the algorithm has excellent robustness and can be designed and realized easily.
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Jihe Wang, Xibin Cao and Jinxiu Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to propose a fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method for formation flying maintenance in the J2 perturbed environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method for formation flying maintenance in the J2 perturbed environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the relative orbital elements (ROE) theory, the J2 perturbed relative motions between different satellites in the formation are analyzed, and then the fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection issue for formation flying maintenance are parameterized in terms of ROE. In order to determine the optimal virtual centre, two theories are proposed in terms of ROE.
Findings
Numerical simulations demonstrate that the fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method is valid, and the control of the ROE of each satellite with respect to a virtual optimal centre of the formation is more efficient regarding the fuel consumption than the control of all satellites with respect to a satellite belonging to the formation.
Research limitations/implications
The fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method is valid for formation flying mission whose member satellite in circular or near circular orbit.
Practical implications
The fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection approach can be used to solve formation flying maintenance problem which involves multiple satellites in the formation.
Originality/value
The paper proposes a fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method in terms of ROE, and shows that keeping the formation with respect the optimal virtual centre is more fuel efficient.
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Zhao Yang, Tian Hao and Cao Xi‐bin
To provide the basis and rule of theory analysis for the design of transmission parameters of the buffer system of the space docking mechanism.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide the basis and rule of theory analysis for the design of transmission parameters of the buffer system of the space docking mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
Setting up the dynamic model of the buffer system of the space docking mechanism by adopting virtual work theory, and analyzing the effects of the transmission parameters of the buffer system to the system dynamic characteristics on the basis of the decouple principle.
Findings
The buffer characteristics of the docking mechanism varying with the change of the transmission parameters of the buffer system, and the change of the buffer force characteristics of the translation degree of freedom are more prominent than that of the turning angle degree of freedom; the mechanics characteristics of the buffer system will approximately satisfy the decouple requirement by selecting the appropriate transmission parameters.
Research limitations/implications
Only consider the transmission parameters for the transmission elements in the buffer system dynamic model, without considering the mass and inertia parameters.
Practical implications
Provides valuable method of parameter design to design the transmission system of the space docking mechanism.
Originality/value
Putting forward up the method of approximation to solve the sub‐ diagonalize matrix of the stiff matrix and the damp matrix, and then determining some main transmission ratio of the system. This method is simple, practical for the system design.
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Bin Xi and Pengyue Zhai
The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of environmental pollution and industrial structure upgrading on environmental pollution in different stages based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of environmental pollution and industrial structure upgrading on environmental pollution in different stages based on the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of economic development level and industrial structure upgrading level in eastern, central and western regions of China and discuss whether there is adjustment effect and threshold effect in the process of economic growth affecting environmental pollution, and finally realizes sustainable economic development.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on panel data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions of China (excluding Tibet and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) from 2000 to 2019, this paper uses the environmental Kuznets curve, regulating effect model and panel threshold model to analyze the impact of economic growth and industrial structure upgrading on environmental pollution.
Findings
The results present that the uneven distribution of natural resources leads to different levels of economic development and industrial structure upgrading in eastern and western regions, and its impact on environmental pollution is also different. Economic growth and industrial structure upgrading have a positive effect on environmental pollution, and the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution is inverted U-shaped. At present, the eastern, central and western regions of China are at the right end of the inverted U-shaped relationship. In general, industrial structure upgrading in eastern, central and western regions has a significant inhibitory effect on environmental pollution. Industrial structure upgrading has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution, and the regulating effect is most significant in the central region, followed by the eastern region, and not significant in the western region. The results of panel threshold model show that the industrial structure upgrading can slow down the positive impact of economic growth on environmental pollution and strengthen the negative moderating effect of industrial structure upgrading on economic growth and environmental pollution.
Originality/value
The innovation of this study is to bring economic growth, industrial structure upgrading and environmental pollution into a unified analytical framework, analyze the impact of economic development and industrial structure upgrading levels in different periods on environmental pollution, and select industrial structure upgrading as the moderating variable and threshold variable. It provides a thought for the influence mechanism of different levels of industrial structure upgrading on economic growth and environmental pollution. Based on the panel data in China, this study emphasizes the concept of sustainable development, adheres to green development and proposes relevant policies to improve environmental pollution. And this paper proposes relevant policies to improve environmental pollution from the perspective of transforming economic growth mode and optimizing industrial structure in China, which also has reference significance for developing countries to realize sustainable economic development.