Multiple Satellite Formation Flying Using Differential Aerodynamic Drag

In this paper, the use of differential aerodynamic drag is proposed for multiple satellite formation flying in low Earth orbit. The nonlinear dynamics describing the motion of the follower satellite relative to the leader satellite is considered, and the control methodology is developed based on sliding mode control. The stability of such a formation in the presence of external perturbations is analyzed. Several cases are considered to examine the performance of the proposed control strategy to maintain the relative motion of the follower satellites by correcting for any initial offset errors and external perturbation effects that tend to perturb the formation. Results of the numerical simulation along with hardware-in-the loop testing confirm that the suggested methodology using differential aerodynamic drag yields reasonable formation-keeping precision and its effectiveness in ensuring formation maneuvering.

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