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Article
Precision Control of Microsatellite Swarms using Plasmonic Force Propulsion
Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
  • P. Galchenko
  • Henry J. Pernicka, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

Scientific mission concepts using swarm formations require micronewton levels of thrust to enable precision formation flying and spacecraft pointing. Plasmonic force propulsion can provide these levels of thrust to the microsatellite platform to enable these advanced missions. Three case studies are used to evaluate the performance of a swarm composed of microsatellites, each equipped with plasmonic thrusters. Control techniques are evaluated and adapted to provide robust and precise control under system disturbances, model uncertainties, and noise. Results show that relative position and pointing can be achieved to meet scientific objectives for a range of swarm precision formation missions.

Meeting Name
AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2018 (2018: Aug. 19-23, Snowbird, UT)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Comments
Portions of this research were supported by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program. Additionally, the authors thank the Missouri University of Science and Technology for partially sponsoring this research.
Keywords and Phrases
  • Astrophysics,
  • Atomic absorption spectrometry,
  • DNA sequences,
  • Propulsion,
  • Uncertainty analysis, Control techniques,
  • Micro-satellite platforms,
  • Model uncertainties,
  • Precision control,
  • Relative positions,
  • Scientific mission,
  • Scientific objectives,
  • System disturbances, Plasmonics
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-087703659-3
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2018 Univelt Inc., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
8-1-2018
Publication Date
01 Aug 2018
Disciplines
Citation Information
P. Galchenko and Henry J. Pernicka. "Precision Control of Microsatellite Swarms using Plasmonic Force Propulsion" Advances in the Astronautical Sciences Vol. 167 (2018) p. 935 - 954 ISSN: 0065-3438
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/henry-pernicka/68/