Guidance and motion control of a space robot during flights between low-orbit mini-satellites

Abstract

Algorithms for guidance and motion control of a space robot-manipulator when approaching mini-satellites in adjacent orbital planes of the earth-survey constellation and the results of their computer verification are presented. The article examines the issues on  astrodynamics of a space robot  in the gravitational fields of the Earth, Moon and Sun, taking into account the aerodynamic resistance to its movement in low orbit. At the same time, an electro-reactive propulsion unit and a cluster of gyro drives are used to create vectors of control forces and torques. The most important are new methods and results  for  the space robot digital control during its flight between mini-satellites.