Project: New Models for Relative Astrodynamics in Distributed Space Systems

The field of satellite relative motion modeling has flourished since its first developments for the Gemini and Apollo programs. Linear models for unperturbed, circular orbits have been supplanted by a multitude of models with varying choices of state representation and assumptions on inter-spacecraft separation, orbit eccentricity, included perturbations. These developments are driven by increasingly ambitious mission objectives and requirements in ever more challenging orbit regimes. The choice of dynamics model is often mission-specific, involving trade-offs of accuracy and efficiency.

The Space Rendezvous Laboratory (SLAB) has made important contributions to the study of satellite relative dynamics, and is continuously advancing the state of the art. In addition to surveying and assessing models from the rich relative dynamics literature, SLAB researchers have developed several new, analytical models based on variation of the relative orbit elements and closed-form solutions to the equations of relative motion. These efforts have emphasized high-fidelity modeling of perturbations from Earth oblateness, solar radiation pressure, and atmospheric drag, as well as nonlinear effects of Keplerian gravity. By achieving high accuracy with low computational effort, these provide powerful tools for application in onboard guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) systems as well as offline mission-planning analysis.

Related Publications

Stacey, N., D'Amico, S.;
Analytical Process Noise Covariance Modeling for Absolute and Relative Orbits;
Acta Astronautica, Volume 194, 2022, Pages 34-47, ISSN 0094-5765, (May 2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.01.020.

Willis, M., D'Amico, S.;
Fast Angles-Only Relative Navigation Using Polynomial Dynamics;
11th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations & Formation Flying, Milano, Italy, June 7-10 (2022).

Willis, M., D'Amico, S.;
Cartesian Relative Motion on Perturbed Eccentric Orbits and Closed-Form Solution for J2 Effects at Low Inclinations ;
2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, Virtual, August 9-11 (2021).

Willis M., D'Amico S.;
Analytical Description of Relative Position and Velocity on J2-Perturbed Eccentric Orbits;
AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Virtual Event, February 1-4 (2021).

Guffanti T., D'Amico S.;
Multi-Agent Passive Safe Optimal Control using Integration Constants as State Variables;
AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, Virtual Event, January 11-15 & 19-21 (2021). DOI: 10.2514/6.2021-1101

Willis M., D'Amico S.;
Applications and Limitations of Angles-Only Relative Navigation Using Polynomial Solutions;
2020 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, South Lake Tahoe, California, August 9 - 13 (2020).

Willis M., Alfriend T., D'Amico S.;
Second-Order Solution for Relative Motion on Eccentric Orbits in Curvilinear Coordinates;
2019 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Portland, Maine, August 11 - 15 (2019).

Guffanti T., D'Amico S.;
Linear Models for Spacecraft Relative Motion Perturbed by Solar Radiation Pressure;
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 42, No. 9, pp. 1962-1981 (2019). DOI: 10.2514/1.G002822.

Willis M., Lovell A., D'Amico S.;
Second Order Analytical Solution for Relative Motion on Arbitrarily Eccentric Orbits;
29th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Ka'anapali, Maui, HI, January 13-17 (2019).

Willis M., D’Amico S.;
Analytical Approach to Formation-Flying with Low-Thrust Relative Spiral Trajectories;
Acta Astronautica, Vol. 153, pp. 175-190 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.02.002.

Guffanti T., D’Amico S.;
Integration Constants as State Variables for Optimal Path Planning;
European Control Conference, Lymassol, Cyprus, June 12-15 (2018).

Sullivan J., Grimberg S., D’Amico S.;
Comprehensive Survey and Assessment of Spacecraft Relative Motion Dynamics Models;
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 40, No. 8, pp. 1837-1859 (August 2017).

Koenig A.W., Guffanti T., D'Amico S.;
New State Transition Matrices for Spacecraft Relative Motion in Perturbed Orbits;
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 40, No. 7, pp. 1749-1768 (September 2017).

Willis M., D’Amico S.;
Analytical Approach to Formation Flying with Low-Thrust Relative Spiral Trajectories;
9th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flight (IWSCFF), The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado, June 19-21, 2017.

Willis M., D’Amico S.;
Relative Spiral Trajectories for Low-Thrust Formation Flying;
26th International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics (ISSFD), Matsuyama, Japan, June 3-9, 2017.

Guffanti T., D’Amico S., Lavagna M.;
Long-Term Analytical Propagation of Satellite Relative Motion in Perturbed Orbits;
27th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, Texas , February 5-9, 2017.