AbstractThe fundamental aspects of the dynamics, control, and relative navigation of satellite formations are discussed. Types of relative motion orbits about a circular reference orbit and a spherical Earth are developed first and then expanded to relative motion about an eccentric reference orbit. The effects of gravitational perturbations on the formation dynamics are then presented along with some approaches for minimizing their effects. This is followed by a short discussion of control for the establishment, maintenance and reconfiguration of formations. A discussion of relative navigation for formations is then presented.
