Sequential Convex Trajectory Planning for Space-Debris Conjunction Mitigation in Satellite Formations
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The growing density of space debris in Low Earth Orbit poses significant risks to Distributed Space Systems (DSSs), where multiple satellites operate in close proximity. Conventional single-satellite collision avoidance maneuvers do not account for internal formation safety and may induce secondary conjunction risks. This work presents a formation-level trajectory optimization framework for short-term conjunction mitigation that jointly addresses external debris avoidance and inter-satellite collision prevention. The proposed Space-Debris Evasion with Internal-Collision-Avoidance (SDEICA) method formulates the problem as a sequential convex programming scheme. A probabilistic debris keep-out region is modeled as an elliptical collision tube derived from the relative position covariance at the Time of Closest Approach (TCA) and convexified via tangent-plane approximation. Internal safety constraints are incorporated through successive linearization of inter-satellite separation conditions. The framework is evaluated on 1197 conjunction scenarios derived from ESA Collision-Avoidance Challenge data for a three-satellite formation. Results demonstrate a systematic reduction in the probability of collision below the operational threshold of 10−5 in all cases, within numerical tolerance, eliminating intersatellite distance violations, maintaining bounded formation deviation, and requiring only moderate control effort. The median computational time is 17.12 s per scenario. These findings indicate that sequential convex optimization provides a practical approach for coordinated, fuel-efficient collision avoidance in satellite formations operating in increasingly congested orbital environments.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16083707
Authors: Michał Błażejczyk, Paweł Zagórski
Institution: AGH University of Krakow
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7153335251