Optimal Inspection of a Nadir-pointing Satellite with Dynamic Angle Constraints

Authors

Mark Mercier
Kirk W. Johnson, Air Force Institute of Technology

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-13-2019

Abstract

Recent advancements in on-orbit proximity operations facilitate more complex inspection missions of active satellites with active sensors. These sensors can be simulated by keep-out cones; many will be nadir-pointing, but others may change direction in the local-horizontal/local-vertical frame. These keep-out cones define dynamic angle constraints for a satellite on a fuel-optimal inspection trajectory. This study will pose and solve the corresponding optimization problem using the multi-phase Gauss Pseuspectral Solver, GPOPS-II, with linearized Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire dynamics. This solution method will allow for the flexibility to incorporate various dynamic keepout cone constraints as well as desired viewing angle constraints.

Comments

Conference Session 23: Proximity Missions & Formation Flying II

This conference paper was later published in Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 168, Pages 3633-3647, 2019. ISBN 9780877036593

Source Publication

29th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting

Recommended Citation

Mercier, M., & Johnson, K. W. (2019). Optimal Inspection of a Nadir-pointing Satellite with Dynamic Angle Constraints. 29th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Session 23: Proximity Missions & Formation Flying II, AAS 19-407.