Work

Assessing control robustness of CubeSat propulsion systems for minor body proximity operations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Exploration of minor celestial bodies is attracting increasing attention due to the scientific insights and engineering advancements it can provide. Concurrently, miniaturized platforms such as CubeSats are becoming increasingly popular because of their reduced development, qualification, and launch costs. This enables riskier operations, making them ideal for proximity operations around minor bodies. This work introduces a 6-DoF guidance and control simulation framework for proximity operations along hyperbolic trajectories near minor bodies. An optimization algorithm was designed coupling attitude dynamics with trajectory design, while directly considering performance and technological limitations of CubeSat propulsion systems. This is to evaluate the feasibility of using miniaturized propulsion systems in a minor body environment. The analysis examines various propulsion technologies, orbital distances, and minor bodies to assess the feasibility of flying hyperbolic arcs. Key performance metrics, including observation time, firing time, propellant consumption, and pointing accuracy, are considered.

Source: Acta Astronautica

DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.07.068

Authors: Carmine Buonagura, Carmine Giordano, Angelo Cervone, Francesco Topputo

Institutions: Politecnico di Milano, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350

Funders: Agencia de Innovación y Desarrollo de Andalucía, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions