Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

David H. Curtis, PhD

Abstract

Realistic simulations provide a tool for operators to understand space tactics and also serve to inform decisions on the requirements of current spacecraft technologies. This research uses simulation to gain a better understanding of one-on-one orbital conflicts through orbital differential games and linear quadratic games. The results of this research find that a simple strategy for an evading spacecraft to successfully evade a more-capable pursuing satellite for a variety of potential goals is to thrust perpendicular to the direction of the pursuer. Specific estimation requirements to accurately determine the objective of the pursuer and successfully evade in a realistic scenario are provided in the document. The methodologies employed in this thesis are applicable to simulate any environment and control law of interest; consequently, these approaches encompass general pursuer-evasion game theory and may be applied in guidance, navigation, and control research more broadly.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-24-M-190

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Related organization for this Masters thesis:

Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA) at AFIT

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