Optimization of relative orbit transfers via particle swarm and primer vector theory

Satellite clusters are a useful tool to improve mission cost-effectiveness and redundancy, but controlling the satellites within the cluster is a difficult task. The particle swarm evolutionary algorithm is used to find ways to minimize the amount of fuel required for impulsive transfers between periodic orbits in the relative motion problem. Relative orbit elements are used in order to create the solution vectors for the particle swarm, and the Clohessy-Wiltshire-Hill equations are used to define the motion of the satellites. These trajectories are then analyzed according to primer vector theory, in order to check the optimality of the trajectories developed via the particle swarm algorithm and determine if they may be improved.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Aubin, Brianna S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Conway, Bruce A.

• relative orbits
• Clohessy Wiltshire
• primer vector
• particle swarm
• relative orbit elements
• evolutionary algorithms
• satellite swarm

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Brianna S. Aubin

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24011

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/24011