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International Journal of Space Science and Engineering 
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ISSN (Print) 2048-8459 - ISSN (Online) 2048-8467
Published by Inderscience Publishers
[367 journals]
[3 followers] Follow Subscription journalISSN (Print) 2048-8459 - ISSN (Online) 2048-8467
Published by Inderscience Publishers
[367 journals]- A survey of autonomous cooperation of modules' cluster operations for fractionated spacecraft
- Authors: Jing Chu; Jian Guo; Eberhard Gill
Pages: 3 - 19
Abstract: Autonomous cooperation is recognised as the key technology to enable modules' cluster operations of fractionated spacecraft. This paper presents a thorough survey of the technologies that facilitate the desired autonomous cooperation of fractionated spacecraft. The constraints imposed by fractionated spacecraft are taken into account in this survey. The investigation is decomposed into three parts: 1) modelling of fractionated spacecraft, which includes a survey on existing architectures of fractionated spacecraft, onboard autonomy and models of satellite relative motion; 2) development of a planner, task allocator and local controller, which, respectively, belongs to the higher level layer, the middleware layer and the lower level layer of a distributed system; 3) testbeds for the validation and verification of implemented autonomous cooperation. This survey summarises key research and intends to pave the way for the implementation of autonomous cooperation of fractionated spacecraft in the future.
Keywords: fractionated spacecraft; cluster operations; autonomous cooperation; modelling; satellite relative motion; planning; task allocation; local control; distributed systems; satellites; module clusters; distributed space systems; independent spacecraft m
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 3 - 19
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051771
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: Jing Chu; Jian Guo; Eberhard Gill
- Development of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receiver for navigation and GNSS remote sensing
- Authors: Martin Unwin; Steven Gao; R. De Vos Van Steenwijk; Philip Jales; Mozam Maqsood; Christine Gommenginger; Julian Rose; Cathryn Mitchell; Kim Partington
Pages: 20 - 50
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing applications. The spaceborne GNSS receiver-remote sensing instrument (SGR-ReSI) uses reflectometry to gather data, which may be used to derive information about the Earth: ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice. First, a review of the GNSS remote sensing including GNSS-reflectometry and radio occultation is presented. Then, the science and operational needs of GNSS receivers for the remote sensing of ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice are discussed. The design and development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing are described. Detailed results and designs of dual-band antennas and arrays for navigation, radio occultation and GNSS-reflectometry are presented. GNSS receiver designs, including both the software and hardware, are also explained. The processing algorithms and modelling techniques are described. Some initial results are also illustrated. This paper ends with discussions of future flight opportunities and a conclusion.
Keywords: spaceborne GNSS receivers; dual-band antennas; reflectometry; radio occultation; GNSS remote sensing; low-cost GNSS receivers; global navigation satellite systems; GNSS receiver design; navigation satellites
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 20 - 50
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051757
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: Martin Unwin; Steven Gao; R. De Vos Van Steenwijk; Philip Jales; Mozam Maqsood; Christine Gommenginger; Julian Rose; Cathryn Mitchell; Kim Partington
- Satellite attitude control using electrodynamic booms
- Authors: Brian Wong; Chris Damaren
Pages: 51 - 63
Abstract: This paper proposes the use of electrodynamic booms for satellite attitude control. By manipulating the magnitude and direction of electrical currents flowing through each boom, the induced Lorentz force acting on the booms can be harnessed as thrust and torque. This can potentially combine the spacecraft propulsion and attitude control systems into one package. This work presents the mathematical formulation of the electrodynamic torque and examines a feedback control algorithm to regulate the spacecraft angular velocity and orientation with respect to an inertial frame. The control algorithm is tested in simulation for several mission scenarios.
Keywords: electrodynamic booms; attitude control; feedback control; magnetic actuation; satellite control; Lorentz force; thrust; electrodynamic torque; spacecraft propulsion; satellites; feedback control; spacecraft velocity; angular velocity; spacecraft orie
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 51 - 63
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051773
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: Brian Wong; Chris Damaren
- Ascent trajectory optimisation for hypersonic vehicles via Gauss pseudospectral method
- Authors: Wei Shi; Zhongliang Jing; Yongsheng Yang
Pages: 64 - 81
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate a reliable method to generate optimal ascent trajectory for hypersonic vehicles. When solving optimal trajectories in endo-atmospheric flight, most of traditional indirect methods suffer from difficulties in finding an appropriate initial guess and getting a convergent solution for two point boundary value problem (TPBVP). With improvements on on-board computer performance, direct methods such as pseudospectral method show promising potential for real-time optimal guidance. It removes the need for computing analytical gradients of aerodynamic coefficients, and remains high accurate solution similar to indirect methods. In this work, optimal ascent trajectory generation problem is formulated as a fuel-optimal control problem. Gauss pseudospectral method (GPM) is presented to generate the optimal ascent trajectories. Optimal solutions from GPM are compared with an indirect method based on finite difference method (FDM). Numerical simulations are studied with various initial conditions to investigate the optimal trajectory characteristics for hypersonic vehicles. The results verify the validity of GPM for ascent trajectory optimisation in both vertical plane and three-dimensional space.
Keywords: trajectory optimisation; optimal control; ascent trajectories; Gauss pseudospectral method; hypersonic vehicles; guidance; numerical optimisation; endo-atmospheric flight; finite difference method; FDM; numerical simulation
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 64 - 81
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051769
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: Wei Shi; Zhongliang Jing; Yongsheng Yang
- Experimental investigation of inflated multiple-beam structures for future space tower
- Authors: R.K. Seth; Z.H. Zhu; B.M. Quine
Pages: 82 - 95
Abstract: This paper describes experimental investigation of inflatable multiple-beam structure configurations based on non-linear moment-curvature relationship to design light-weight structures comprising inflatable multiple-beams. To design a stable inflatable multiple-beam structure, intermittent bracing system is needed to stabilise each inflatable beam and their spacing is optimised for maintaining shape and buckling strength of the inflated structure. The bending of inflatable towers of different sizes comprising inflated beams are investigated experimentally. Experimental design guidelines are applied to develop a free-standing 7.0 m high prototype structure, demonstrating the capability of inflatable multiple-beam structure to be used as a core structure for the construction of space tower. The result of investigations of a single inflatable-beam structures has been applied to construct a core structure for the design of a pneumatically supported 20 km high space tower.
Keywords: space towers; inflatable structures; inflated multi-beam structures; lightweight structures; structural design; intermittent bracing; shape; buckling strength; pneumatics; space tower design; multiple beams
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 82 - 95
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051772
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: R.K. Seth; Z.H. Zhu; B.M. Quine
- Vision-based control for on-orbit servicing
- Authors: Benoit P. Larouche
Pages: 96 - 111
Abstract: Vision-based control provides a flexible and adaptable sensor system capable of high levels of precision and accuracy over a large range of situations. The ability to mount a lightweight, low-cost, lower-power, non-destructive, no-contact sensor on a robotic manipulator and to employ it as a the sole sensor between acquisition and capture provides a vast field of opportunities in which on-orbit servicing can be a leader. In this paper, we will examine the use of just such a system during the most critical phase of on-orbit servicing, the capture.
Keywords: vision based control; space robotics; autonomous robots; spacecraft servicing; satellite robots; satellite capture; satellite servicing; on-orbit servicing; robot sensors; robotic manipulators; robot kinematics; vision based guidance; robot guida
Citation: International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013) pp. 96 - 111
PubDate: 2013-01-29T23:20:50-05:00
DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051770
Issue No: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2013)
- Authors: Benoit P. Larouche
