Work

Ejection-based payload deployment for efficient on-orbit servicing of mega-constellations

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The prevailing assumption holds that on-orbit servicing (OOS) of mega-constellations is infeasible due to the prohibitive fuel consumption incurred by multiple rendezvous maneuvers across vast and dispersed satellite populations. To address this challenge, a novel OOS architecture termed Ejection-based Payload Deployment (EPD) is proposed in this paper. Within this framework, a service spacecraft (SSc) ejects micro-payload spacecraft (PSc) into transfer orbits, after which the PSc autonomously rendezvous with target spacecraft (TSc). By confining propulsive maneuvers to the much lighter PSCs, total fuel consumption is significantly reduced. This paper develops a phase-based approximation algorithm to resolve the scheduling problems arising from cumulative recoil-induced orbital perturbations. Numerical simulations for a constellation of over 100 satellites demonstrate that this algorithm reduces computation time by over 90% while maintaining ejection velocity errors below 1%. Further analysis yields an analytical formula for evaluating the deployment capability of the EPD system, providing planning estimates with less than 2% error within low Earth orbit (LEO) regimes. Finally, a case study of the Starlink Gen2 constellation confirms the EPD system’s substantial propellant economy relative to conventional methods.

Source: Aerospace Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ast.2026.113580

Authors: Zhengrui Li, Guanhua Feng, Xiaokun Wu, Wenhao Li, Yuxian Yue

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mechanics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Space Satellite Systems and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,360