Autonomous Multi-phase Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking via Model Predictive Control
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
3-4-2023
Abstract
This paper proposes a new approach to determine the multi-phase optimal control solution for a spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking mission (RPOD). Traditionally, RPOD missions are segmented into several phases corresponding to the relative range between the target and chaser spacecraft, and it is not uncommon to have constraints which differ between respective phases. Model predictive control (MPC) is a control method designed to solve an optimal control problem over a finite time horizon. The finite time horizon decreases the computational complexity, which makes it advantageous for onboard use in spacecraft. Additionally, MPC is capable of solving the optimization problem while taking into consideration constraints. This makes MPC an ideal choice for a control method when executing a RPOD mission.
Source Publication
2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Recommended Citation
J. J. Kaczmarek and C. Zagaris, "Autonomous Multi-phase Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking via Model Predictive Control," 2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, USA, 2023, pp. 1-10, doi: 10.1109/AERO55745.2023.10115983.
Comments
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[*] Co-author J. Kaczmarek was an AFIT PhD candidate at the time of this publication.