Performance Assessment of the Drag-Based Formation Control for the JC2Sat Mission

ठThe paper describes an innovative method for the performance assessment of drag-based formation flying control techniques. The method aims at avoiding time-consuming longduration closed-loop simulation campaigns with high fidelity simulators. The methodology quickly provides statistical insight into the formation control performance, thus supporting quick design iterations and systems engineering trade-off analyses. The paper reviews the drag-based guidance and control algorithm proposed for the JC2Sat mission, presents the methodology developed to assess performance, discusses the application of this methodology in the context of the JC2Sat mission and shows typical analysis results.