Optimization-Based Formation Flight on Libration Point Orbits

TL;DR

This paper presents an MPC framework for spacecraft formation station-keeping along libration point orbits, solving a multi-vehicle optimal control problem with constraints, evaluated in high-fidelity simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel MPC approach with tightened path constraints and sequential convex programming for formation control at libration points.

Findings

Successfully maintains formation with realistic uncertainties.

Propellant consumption comparable to existing methods.

Ensures path constraints on interspacecraft separation.

Abstract

A model predictive control (MPC) framework is developed for station-keeping in spacecraft formation flight along libration point orbits. At each control period, the MPC policy solves a multi-vehicle optimal control problem (MVOCP) that tracks a reference trajectory, while enforcing path constraints on the relative motion of the formation. The control policy makes use of a limited set of control nodes consistent with operational constraints that allow only a small number of maneuver opportunities per revolution. To promote recursive feasibility, path constraints are progressively tightened across the prediction horizon. An isoperimetric reformulation of the constraints is used to prevent inter-sample violations. The resulting MVOCP is a nonconvex program, which is solved via sequential convex programming. The proposed approach is evaluated in a high-fidelity ephemeris model under realistic uncertainties for a formation along the near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), and subject to path constraints on interspacecraft separation and relative Sun phase angle. The results demonstrate maintenance of a spacecraft formation that satisfies the path constraints with cumulative propellant consumption comparable to that of existing methods