Space agencies are now realizing that much of what has previously been achieved using hugely complex and costly single platform projects—large unmanned and manned satellites (including the present International Space Station)—can be replaced by a number of smaller satellites networked together. The key challenge of this approach, namely ensuring the proper formation flying of multiple craft, is the topic of this second volume in Elsevier's Astrodynamics Series, Spacecraft Formation Flying: Dynamics, control and navigation. In this unique text, authors Alfriend et al. provide a coherent discussion of spacecraft relative motion, both in the unperturbed and perturbed settings, explain the main control approaches for regulating relative satellite dynamics, using both impulsive and continuous maneuvers, and present the main constituents required for relative navigation. The early chapters provide a foundation upon which later discussions are built, making this a complete, standalone offering. Intended for graduate students, professors and academic researchers in the fields of aerospace and mechanical engineering, mathematics, astronomy and astrophysics, Spacecraft Formation Flying is a technical yet accessible, forward-thinking guide to this critical area of astrodynamics. - The first book dedicated to spacecraft formation flying, written by leading researchers and professors in the field - Develops the theory from an astrodynamical viewpoint, emphasizing modeling, control and navigation of formation flying satellites on Earth orbits - Examples used to illustrate the main developments, with a sample simulation of a formation flying mission included to illustrate high fidelity modeling, control and relative navigation

Small satellite technology is opening up a new era in space exploration offering reduced cost of launch and maintenance, operational flexibility with on-orbit reconfiguration, redundancy etc. The true power of such missions can be harnessed only from close and precise formation flying of satellites. Formation flying missions support diverse application areas such as reconnaissance, remote sensing, solar observatory, deep space observatories, etc. A key component involved in formation flying is the guidance algorithm that should account for system nonlinearities and unknown disturbances. The main focus of this book is to present various nonlinear optimal control and adaptive guidance ideas to ensure precise close formation flying in presence of such difficulties. In addition to in-depth discussion of the relevant topics, MATLAB program files for the results included are also provided for the benefit of the readers. Since this book has concise information about the various guidance techniques, it will be useful reference for researchers and practising engineers in the space field.

This book systematically describes the concepts and principles for multi-satellite relative motion, passive and near passive formation designs, trajectory planning and control for fuel optimal formation maneuvers, and formation flying maintenance control design. As such, it provides a sound foundation for researchers and engineers in this field to develop further theories and pursue their implementations. Though satellite formation flying is widely considered to be a major advance in space technology, there are few systematic treatments of the topic in the literature. Addressing that gap, the book offers a valuable resource for academics, researchers, postgraduate students and practitioners in the field of satellite science and engineering.

This monograph provides a comprehensive exploration of new tools for modelling, analysis, and control of networked dynamical systems. Expanding on the authors’ previous work, this volume highlights how local exchange of information and cooperation among neighboring agents can lead to emergent global behaviors in a given networked dynamical system. Divided into four sections, the first part of the book begins with some preliminaries and the general networked dynamical model that is used throughout the rest of the book. The second part focuses on synchronization of networked dynamical systems, synchronization with non-expansive dynamics, periodic solutions of networked dynamical systems, and modulus consensus of cooperative-antagonistic networks. In the third section, the authors solve control problems with input constraint, large delays, and heterogeneous dynamics. The final section of the book is devoted to applications, studying control problems of spacecraft formation flying, multi-robot rendezvous, and energy resource coordination of power networks. Modelling, Analysis, and Control of Networked Dynamical Systems will appeal to researchers and graduate students interested in control theory and its applications, particularly those working in networked control systems, multi-agent systems, and cyber-physical systems. This volume can also be used in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on networked control systems and multi-agent systems.

Provides the basics of spacecraft orbital dynamics plus attitude dynamics and control, using vectrix notation Spacecraft Dynamics and Control: An Introduction presents the fundamentals of classical control in the context of spacecraft attitude control. This approach is particularly beneficial for the training of students in both of the subjects of classical control as well as its application to spacecraft attitude control. By using a physical system (a spacecraft) that the reader can visualize (rather than arbitrary transfer functions), it is easier to grasp the motivation for why topics in control theory are important, as well as the theory behind them. The entire treatment of both orbital and attitude dynamics makes use of vectrix notation, which is a tool that allows the user to write down any vector equation of motion without consideration of a reference frame. This is particularly suited to the treatment of multiple reference frames. Vectrix notation also makes a very clear distinction between a physical vector and its coordinate representation in a reference frame. This is very important in spacecraft dynamics and control problems, where often multiple coordinate representations are used (in different reference frames) for the same physical vector. Provides an accessible, practical aid for teaching and self-study with a layout enabling a fundamental understanding of the subject Fills a gap in the existing literature by providing an analytical toolbox offering the reader a lasting, rigorous methodology for approaching vector mechanics, a key element vital to new graduates and practicing engineers alike Delivers an outstanding resource for aerospace engineering students, and all those involved in the technical aspects of design and engineering in the space sector Contains numerous illustrations to accompany the written text. Problems are included to apply and extend the material in each chapter Essential reading for graduate level aerospace engineering students, aerospace professionals, researchers and engineers.

Aimed at students, faculty and professionals in the aerospace field, this book provides practical information on the development, analysis, and control of a single and/or multiple spacecraft in space. This book is divided into two major sections: single and multiple satellite motion. The first section analyses the orbital mechanics, orbital perturbations, and attitude dynamics of a single satellite around the Earth. Using the knowledge of a single satellite motion, the translation of a group of satellites called formation flying or constellation is explained. Formation flying has been one of the main research topics over the last few years and this book explains different control approaches to control the satellite attitude motion and/or to maintain the constellation together. The control schemes are explained in the discrete domain such that it can be easily implemented on the computer on board the satellite. The key objective of this book is to show the reader the practical and the implementation process in the discrete domain. Explains the orbital motion and principal perturbations affecting the satelliteUses the Ares V rocket as an example to explain the attitude motion of a space vehiclePresents the practical approach for different control actuators that can be used in a satellite

Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics Rogerio Atem de Carvalho, Instituto Federal Fluminense, Brazil Jaime Estela, Spectrum Aerospace Group, Germany and Peru Martin Langer, Technical University of Munich, Germany Covering the latest research on nanosatellites Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics comprehensively presents the latest research on the fast-developing area of nanosatellites. Divided into three distinct sections, the book begins with a brief history of nanosatellites and introduces nanosatellites technologies and payloads, also explaining how these are deployed into space. The second section provides an overview of the ground segment and operations, and the third section focuses on the regulations, policies, economics, and future trends. Key features: Payloads for nanosatellites Nanosatellites components design Examines the cost of development of nanosatellites. Covers the latest policies and regulations. Considers future trends for nanosatellites. Nanosatellites: Space and Ground Technologies, Operations and Economics is a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners working with nanosatellites in the aerospace industry.

An introduction to orbital mechanics and spacecraft attitude dynamics Foundations of Space Dynamics offers an authoritative text that combines a comprehensive review of both orbital mechanics and dynamics. The authora noted expert in the fieldcovers up-to-date topics including: orbital perturbations, Lambert's transfer, formation flying, and gravity-gradient stabilization. The text provides an introduction to space dynamics in its entirety, including important analytical derivations and practical space flight examples. Written in an accessible and concise style, Foundations of Space Dynamics highlights analytical development and rigor, rather than numerical solutions via ready-made computer codes. To enhance learning, the book is filled with helpful tables, figures, exercises, and solved examples. This important book: Covers space dynamics with a systematic and comprehensive approach Is designed to be a practical text filled with real-world examples Contains information on the most current applications Includes up-to-date topics from orbital perturbations to gravity- gradient stabilization Offers a deep understanding of space dynamics often lacking in other textbooks Written for undergraduate and graduate students and professionals in aerospace engineering, Foundations of Space Dynamics offers an introduction to the most current information on orbital mechanics and dynamics.