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Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project

Hanspeter Schaub

This is the 3rd and final course of the spacecraft relative motion course sequence. This course presents a capstone design challenge where you get to develop, simulate and study how to approach a tumbling debris object. The servicer starts from far away and carefully does a series of maneuver to get closer and closer in a safe manner. As the debris object is tumbling, the servicer will have to account for relative attitude motion as well. The final approach is in a debris body-fixed manner illustrating a case of controlling non-Keplerian motion.

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This is the 3rd and final course of the spacecraft relative motion course sequence. This course presents a capstone design challenge where you get to develop, simulate and study how to approach a tumbling debris object. The servicer starts from far away and carefully does a series of maneuver to get closer and closer in a safe manner. As the debris object is tumbling, the servicer will have to account for relative attitude motion as well. The final approach is in a debris body-fixed manner illustrating a case of controlling non-Keplerian motion.

After this course, you will be able to...

* Design safe approach trajectories

* Implement relative motion feedback control solutions

* Model the relative motion and relative attitude in the LVLH frame

* Implement non-Keplerian reference motion

Please note: this is an advanced course, best suited for working engineers or students with college-level knowledge in mathematics and physics.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Capstone Project
Welcome to the capstone project of the course sequence on spacecraft formation flying dynamics and control.
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Long-Range Approach
In this module we study how to use a Hohmann transfer to maneuver a servicer spacecraft close to a space debris object. The debris is in a circular orbit with a different radius. Here we study how much fuel such a maneuver will take, the required phasing angle, as well as look at the final maneuver trajectory motion as seen by the chief LVLH frame to determine the smallest miss distance to the debris object.
Approaching the Debris Object
Here we investigate slowly approaching the debris object. We start with a basic drifting orbit and then look at a safety spiral about the debris object.
Relative Motion Control Relative to a Tumbling Debris Object
Next we are ready to begin our final approach to the debris object. Sadly, the debris object is not holding a steady attitude, but rather it is tumbling. This complicates are final approach as we must control our relative to the debris body-fixed frame to ensure we approach the debris grappling point without colliding in it. What fun!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Hanspeter Schaub, who are recognized for their work in spacecraft relative motion
Develops core skills for working engineers and students with college-level knowledge in mathematics and physics
Examines approaches to space debris objects, which is of high interest for the future of space exploration and space debris removal
Teaches relative motion control solutions, which allows for the control of the relative motion between two spacecraft
Models the relative motion and relative attitude in the LVLH frame, which provides a convenient coordinate frame for spacecraft relative motion analysis
Requires extensive background knowledge in mathematics and physics

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project with these activities:
Orbital Mechanics Refresher
Review basic orbital mechanics concepts such as Keplerian motion, orbital maneuvers, and coordinate frames.
Browse courses on Orbital Mechanics
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials on orbital mechanics
  • Complete practice exercises on orbital parameters and trajectory calculations
Review of Linear Algebra
Review basic concepts of linear algebra to strengthen understanding of coordinate frames and transformations which are used throughout spacecraft relative motion.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Read through notes or textbooks on linear algebra
  • Solve practice problems on vector spaces and matrix operations
Discussion Forum on Relative Motion Control
Engage in discussions with peers on different techniques for controlling relative motion between spacecraft.
Browse courses on Relative Motion Control
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums or create study groups
  • Post questions and share insights on relative motion control algorithms
  • Review and provide feedback on others' contributions
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Relative Motion Simulation
Practice simulating relative motion between spacecraft using software or online tools.
Browse courses on Spacecraft Dynamics
Show steps
  • Obtain spacecraft relative motion simulation software or access online tools
  • Create simulation scenarios for different types of relative motion maneuvers
  • Analyze simulation results to understand the effects of control parameters and environmental disturbances
Design a Tumbling Debris Approach Strategy
Develop a comprehensive strategy for approaching a tumbling debris object, considering factors such as safety, maneuverability, and control techniques.
Browse courses on Spacecraft Dynamics
Show steps
  • Analyze the characteristics and dynamics of the tumbling debris object
  • Identify potential approach trajectories and control algorithms
  • Simulate and evaluate the performance of the proposed strategy
Spacecraft Control Competition
Participate in competitions or hackathons that involve designing and implementing spacecraft control systems.
Browse courses on Spacecraft Control
Show steps
  • Identify and register for relevant competitions
  • Form a team or work independently
  • Develop and test spacecraft control algorithms
  • Present and defend the proposed solution

Career center

Learners who complete Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Spacecraft Engineer
A spacecraft engineer designs and oversees the production and testing of space vehicles. Spacecraft engineers with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to better design and test spacecraft that can safely maneuver through space. They would also be able to better design and test spacecraft that can dock or rendezvous with other spacecraft.
Research Scientist
A research scientist conducts research in a specific field of science. Research scientists with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to conduct research in the field of spacecraft dynamics and control.
University Professor
A university professor teaches and conducts research in a specific field of study. University professors with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to teach and conduct research in the field of spacecraft dynamics and control.
Spacecraft Navigator
A spacecraft navigator plans, manages, and guides space vehicle missions. To do this, spacecraft navigators need to be able to move spacecraft through space in a safe and efficient way. This course would help a spacecraft navigator maximize safety and efficiency through its teachings on space formation, control, and Hohmann transfer.
Flight Controller
A flight controller monitors and controls spacecraft during flight. This course would assist a flight controller with spacecraft formation flying and control, Hohmann transfer, and safety spirals.
Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft. The course would be helpful for this career through its teachings on spacecraft formation flying and control as well as Hohmann transfer.
Project Manager
A project manager plans, executes, and closes projects. Project managers with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to better plan and execute spacecraft projects.
Systems Engineer
A systems engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex systems. Systems engineers with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to better design and integrate spacecraft systems.
Consultant
A consultant provides expert advice to clients. Consultants with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to provide expert advice to clients in the aerospace industry.
Payload Engineer
A payload engineer designs, integrates, and tests spacecraft payloads. They also ensure that payloads are compatible with the spacecraft and its mission. Through this course, a payload engineer would be able to learn about spacecraft formation flying, control, and Hohmann transfer.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur starts and operates a business. Entrepreneurs with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to start and operate businesses in the aerospace industry.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. Quality assurance engineers with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to better ensure that spacecraft systems meet quality standards.
Safety Engineer
A safety engineer identifies and mitigates hazards. A safety engineer with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to identify and mitigate hazards associated with spacecraft operations.
Mission Specialist
A mission specialist is responsible for the planning, execution and monitoring of space missions. Through this course, one would learn about approaches to spacecraft, safety spirals, and relative motion control relative to a tumbling debris object which would all be useful skills.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates and maintains technical documentation. Technical writers with knowledge of spacecraft formation flying and control would be able to better create and maintain documentation for spacecraft systems.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project.
Provides a comprehensive overview of feedback control of dynamic systems. It covers fundamental concepts of feedback control that are necessary for understanding spacecraft control.
This book, intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace engineering, provides a comprehensive overview of spacecraft attitude control and determination. While the course places more emphasis on relative motion control, understanding how a single spacecraft maneuvers is helpful.
Provides an in-depth look at robust control techniques for spacecraft. While the course does not cover robust control in detail, this book can serve as a valuable reference for those interested in the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of astrodynamics. It good resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of astrodynamics and its applications. It good resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about this topic.
Comprehensive textbook on orbital mechanics. It good resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about this topic.

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