Ricerc@Sapienza

Many recent researches have been studying techniques to handle the problem of pose and shape reconstruction in the framework of space proximity operations. The most challenging scenario is when the target satellite is uncooperative, i.e., out of control, and possibly of unknown shape because of damages occurred to its structure. In such a situation, complete awareness of the target's configuration is mandatory and can be achieved through optical hardware.

A novel approach for minimum-time reconfiguration of satellite formations is proposed considering the perturbation forces as control variables. Planning appropriate attitude maneuvers for each satellite, the atmospheric drag and of the solar radiation pressure are properly controlled, and the formation is given the appropriate inputs to achieve the imposed reconfiguration. Limits and advantages of the presented maneuvers are examined considering low Earth orbits, medium Earth orbits, and geostationary orbits.