nonlinearity and circular orbit assumption effects on formation flying control strategies Gravitational perturbations

Hill's equations have been used in most formation flying studies to determine relative motion orbits and control strategies. Hill's equations assume the Chief satellite orbit is circular, the Earth is spherically symmetric and the nonlinear terms in the relative motion variables can be neglected. This paper presents an approach for determining the effect of these assumptions on the fuel consumption for establishing and maintaining a relative motion orbit. Initial results on the errors in predicting the relative motion using Hill's equations are presented.

Gravitational perturbations, nonlinearity and circular orbit assumption effects on formation flying control strategies Conference Paper