Friday 31 January 2025
Spacecraft are getting closer, but there’s still a long way to go before they can safely rendezvous and perform complex maneuvers in orbit. A team of researchers has developed a new control framework that could help overcome these challenges by allowing spacecraft to accurately position themselves near other satellites.
The problem is that current control systems rely on precise knowledge of the target satellite’s location, which is often not possible due to limitations in data transmission and processing. To address this issue, the researchers designed a framework that uses mean orbit elements – simplified versions of the satellite’s position and velocity – to guide the chaser spacecraft towards its target.
The framework consists of four modularized maneuver blocks, each designed to correct specific aspects of the chaser’s orbit. The first block focuses on adjusting the satellite’s right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN), which is critical for ensuring a safe and stable approach. The second block deals with correcting the satellite’s along-track distance, while the third and fourth blocks focus on establishing a safety ellipse around the target satellite.
In a numerical simulation, the researchers tested their framework using two 3U CubeSats in low Earth orbit. The results showed that the chaser spacecraft was able to approach and circumnavigate the target satellite with remarkable accuracy, establishing a safety ellipse with dimensions of 14 km x 27 km x 8 km.
The study’s findings could have significant implications for future space missions, particularly those involving complex proximity operations such as docking or formation flying. By using mean orbit elements to guide the chaser spacecraft, the researchers believe that it may be possible to reduce fuel consumption and improve mission efficiency.
However, there are still several challenges to overcome before this technology can be implemented in real-world applications. For example, the framework does not account for thruster firings used to stabilize the established safety ellipse, which could lead to errors in the satellite’s position and velocity.
Despite these limitations, the study’s results demonstrate the potential of using mean orbit elements to improve spacecraft control and navigation. As space agencies and private companies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration, technologies like this one will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient execution of complex missions.
Cite this article: “Accurate Satellite Positioning through Mean Orbit Elements”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Spacecraft, Control Framework, Mean Orbit Elements, Satellite, Positioning, Navigation, Proximity Operations, Docking, Formation Flying, Thruster Firings
