The Flower Formation Flying - Part I: Theory Conference Paper

abstract

• This paper introduces the Flower Formation Flying theory. Motivations come from the need to extend the Flower Constellations theory to configuration of satellites with small relative distances. Two different types of Flower Formation Flying are here presented: the circular and the elliptical Flower Formation Flying, which are built on reference orbits that are circular and elliptical, respectively. Similar to Flower Constellations, the Flower Formation Flying are ruled by a limited set of integer parameters for satellite phasing, by the reference orbit parameters, and by the formation size. The Flower Formation Flying allows to create formations of spacecrafts with any relative distance and orbital eccentricity, overcoming the Clohessy-Wiltshire equations limits.

authors

• Mortari, Daniele

published proceedings

• SPACEFLIGHT MECHANICS 2008, VOL 130, PTS 1 AND 2

author list (cited authors)

• Mortari, D., & Tonetti, S.

complete list of authors

• Mortari, Daniele||Tonetti, Stefania

publication date

• December 2008

published in

• Spaceflight Mechanics 2005, Vol 120, Pts 1 and 2  Journal

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) 13

• 978-0-87703-544-2

start page

• 1303

end page

• +

volume

• 130