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Autonomous Trajectory Generation Comparison for De-Orbiting with Multiple Collision Avoidance.

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Summary

Pontryagin

Keywords:
Pontryaginautonomous trajectory optimizationcollision avoidancespace debristrajectory generation

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Area of Science:

  • Spacecraft trajectory optimization
  • Autonomous de-orbiting maneuvers
  • Space debris mitigation

Background:

  • Space debris poses a significant and growing threat to near-Earth space systems.
  • Limited access to tracking data and recent policy changes necessitate sustainable space environment solutions.
  • Autonomous de-orbiting is crucial for spacecraft decommissioning and repurposing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an autonomous trajectory maneuver for de-orbiting spacecraft using collision avoidance.
  • To compare the effectiveness of sinusoidal and Pontryagin's methods for autonomous trajectory generation.
  • To determine Euler angles for safe spacecraft maneuvering around space debris.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of sinusoidal and Pontryagin's trajectory generation methods.
  • Incorporation of waypoint guidance for collision avoidance.
  • Simulation of spacecraft attitude slew maneuvers for Euler angle determination (roll, pitch, yaw).

Main Results:

  • Pontryagin's method demonstrated superior fuel efficiency (over five orders of magnitude greater) and reduced computation time (over 15 minutes less) compared to the sinusoidal trajectory.
  • Autonomous trajectory optimization using Pontryagin's method conserved 37.9% more fuel and saved 40.5% more time.
  • Differences in Euler angle tracking were observed between the two methods.

Conclusions:

  • Pontryagin's method offers a more optimal autonomous trajectory for spacecraft de-orbiting.
  • This approach enhances fuel conservation and reduces mission time, contributing to space sustainability.
  • Precise Euler angle control is vital for safe collision avoidance during de-orbiting maneuvers.