초록 ▼

The present invention provides a method and system for formationkeeping between two or more orbiting spacecraft by controlling the surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of perturbative forces acting on the spacecraft. The actual position of each spacecraft is sensed and the distance be

The present invention provides a method and system for formationkeeping between two or more orbiting spacecraft by controlling the surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of perturbative forces acting on the spacecraft. The actual position of each spacecraft is sensed and the distance between the spacecraft is computed. If this separating distance exceeds acceptable tolerances, the affected spacecraft are commanded to change their orientation so that the total surface area facing the direction of motion is altered. Alternatively, the total surface area of the spacecraft facing the direction of solar pressure can be altered. As a result, the forces acting on the spacecraft are altered which alters spacecraft position and velocity. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, surface area variations of individual spacecraft are used to maintain the planar separation between adjacent constellations of orbiting spacecraft at desired distances.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for controlling the separation between at least two groups of orbiting spacecraft comprising:means for providing an output signal corresponding to the planar separation of said groups;adjustment means for varying the amount of surface area of each spacecraft within at leas

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for controlling the separation between at least two groups of orbiting spacecraft comprising:means for providing an output signal corresponding to the planar separation of said groups;adjustment means for varying the amount of surface area of each spacecraft within at least one of the groups facing the direction of a perturbative force acting on said spacecraft; andcontrol means responsive to said output signal for causing said adjustment means to vary said surface area of said spacecraft within at least one of the groups where the planar separation between the groups exceeds a predetermined separation limit.