Abstract:
An extension of the Hill-Clohessey-Wiltshire equations is presented. The equations
refer to the relative motion of two satellites as seen by a Chief undergoing a circular
Keplerian motion. Both the Earth oblateness and the air drag are included. The new
set of equations is then used to study a simple 100m Leader-Follower formation in
a near polar orbit at 600Km of altitude. As the system shows to be linear with time
periodic coefficients, Floquet theory is used to determine the stability of the formation
and the relative trajectory. Poincar exponents are also determined and discussed.
Description:
Paper given at Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures in Space (DCSSS), 5th conference, Kings College, Cambridge, July 2002
