Optimal Impulsive Control of Cislunar Relative Motion using Reachable Set Theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel optimal impulsive control method for cislunar relative motion using reachable set theory, validated through simulations, enabling efficient on-board spacecraft operations in the CR3BP.

Contribution

It applies Koenig-D'Amico reachable set theory to cislunar motion in the CR3BP, integrating MPC for robust control, a first in this context.

Findings

Robust control performance over various orbits and control windows.

Validated methodology through simulations and comparisons.

Potential for on-board implementation in distributed space systems.

Abstract

This work presents the first application of the state-of-the-art Koenig-D'Amico reachable set theory solver to cislunar, chaotic relative motion in the Circular-Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP). The relative motion dynamics of two spacecraft, a chief and a deputy, in the CR3BP are formulated as a Linear Time-Variant (LTV) system, allowing the solver to find an optimal impulsive control maneuver plan. This methodology demonstrates robust and accurate control performance for both small and large reconfigurations over different CR3BP orbits and control windows. These capabilities are enhanced by a Model Predictive Control (MPC) architecture to reject all sources of control, navigation, and dynamic error. The performance of the proposed approach is validated by unit testing, Monte Carlo simulations, and comparisons to baseline models for spacecraft relative motion. Overall, this work demonstrates an optimal control methodology with the computational efficiency to be used on-board spacecraft, enabling the safe, effective, and efficient operation of Distributed Space Systems in cislunar space.