Satellite formation flying control by mass exchange

• Formation flying relative motion control concept by mass exchange is proposed and studied.
• Relative trajectory changing after mass throwing are investigated using Hill–Clohessy–Wiltshire equations.
• Relative trajectory maintenance under J2 perturbation influence is demonstrated.

Novel approach for formation flying relative motion control is proposed and studied. It is based on a mass exchange between satellites. A certain mass is separated from one satellite in a given direction with a given velocity. It impacts absolutely inelastically another satellite to impart a pulse. The mass exchange causes desired change in a relative motion trajectory of both satellites. The feasibility of such a control approach is shown in the paper. The Hill–Clohessy–Wiltshire equations are used for relative motion representation. The resulting trajectory equations after mass exchange are analytically derived. The control approach is applied to formation reconfiguration, drift-stop and also to relative motion trajectory maintenance under perturbation effect J2. The mass exchange approach is verified by numerical simulations.