Satellite formation control for cooperative observation around the rotating China Space Station
Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., LtdWith the long-term on-orbit operation of the China Space Station, using nanosatellite swarms for cooperative observation of its external structures has become an important technical direction for enhancing in‑orbit monitoring capabilities. However, the space station itself has a non‑spherical complex geometry (e.g., protruding structures such as modules and docking ports) and may perform attitude maneuvers (e.g., sun‑pointing) during orbital flight, making it a dynamic obstacle with both intricate shape and rotational motion relative to the nanosatellites. Traditional artificial potential field obstacle avoidance methods mostly simplify obstacles as spheres or ellipsoids, which cannot accurately characterize the composite geometric features of the space station, and usually ignore the obstacle's own rotational motion. This leads to difficulties in constructing the repulsive potential field, limited maneuvering space, and, more critically, a lack of rigorous theoretical proof to guarantee closed-loop system stability and collision avoidance. Therefore, developing a nanosatellite formation control method that can handle rotating non‑spherical obstacles while providing strict stability guarantees is of significant theoretical importance and engineering value for ensuring safe fly-around and efficient cooperative observation in the vicinity of the space station.
- Journal
- Space: Science & Technology