Work

Dynamics and de-spin control of massive target by single tethered space tug

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigates the dynamics and de-spin control of a massive target by a single tethered space tug in the post-capture phase. The dynamic model of the tethered system is derived and simplified to a dimensionless form. Further, a decoupled PD controller is proposed, and the local stability of the controller is analyzed by linearization technique. Parametric studies of the dynamics and de-spin control of a massive target are conducted to characterize the dynamic process of de-spin with the proposed control law. It is shown that the massive target can be de-span by a single and small space tug with limited thrust within finite time. The thrust tangent with the tether de-spins the target while the thrust normal to the tether prevents the tether from winding up the target. The tether length has a positive contribution to the de-spin of a target. The longer tether leads to a faster de-spin process.

Source: Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

DOI: 10.1016/j.cja.2019.01.002

Authors: Junjie KANG, Zheng H. ZHU, Wei WANG, Changqing WANG, Aijun LI

Institutions: Northwestern Polytechnical University, York University

Language: English

Topic: Space Satellite Systems and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funder: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada