Lyapunov-Based Control via Atmospheric Drag for Tetrahedral Satellite Formation

Abstract

The problem of small tetrahedral satellite formation maintenance in a Low Earth Orbit is being considered. The main purpose is to develop a simple algorithm for tetrahedron control via atmospheric drag. To design a controller, the direct Lyapunov method is used. The control obtained is suitable for tetrahedral formation maintenance, with an average distance of about 1 km. During the controlled motion, the geometric characteristics of the tetrahedron are preserved.

Keywords

• tetrahedral formation
• Lyapunov control
• atmospheric drag