Geostationary satellites autonomous closed loop station keeping

• Novel closed loop control for geostationary satellite station keeping.
• No need for previously computed reference trajectories.
• Numerical simulations using a precise orbit propagator.
• Feasibility of station keeping with electric propulsion.

This paper deals with a novel approach to geostationary satellite station keeping based on the use of a closed loop control law without recourse to previously computed reference trajectories. The closed loop control implementation requires the knowledge of the spacecraft position and velocity with respect to Earth in real time. Numerical results are presented to illustrate this technique. Simulation results showing the feasibility of station keeping on a spacecraft equipped with electric thrusters are also presented.