What is it about?

Imagine having a giant parking lot in space with hundreds of parked satellites. Some of these satellites malfunction or run out of fuel, but throwing them away is expensive! This paper is about spaceships that can catch and fix these broken satellites. The big challenge is how to catch the satellite without crashing into it. This research creates a new computer program to figure out the best way to fly the repair ship to approach the target satellite and not waste any fuel gently. The program considers factors like how much fuel the repair ship has and how quickly it needs to get there. Ultimately, this research helps us fix more satellites in space, saving money and keeping necessary equipment operational!

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Why is it important?

This research is unique and timely because it addresses a critical challenge in on-orbit servicing (OOS) – a growing field due to the increasing number of satellites reaching their lifespan. Unlike prior methods, this paper focuses on optimal rendezvous maneuvers with finite thrust, which is more realistic for spacecraft with limited fuel. The new IPOPT algorithm allows efficient calculation of these maneuvers, considering factors like minimum fuel or time. It is essential because it can significantly reduce mission costs and make OOS missions more feasible. This research could interest a broad readership, including researchers in space robotics and guidance control and companies involved in OOS missions.

Perspectives

This research is about docking spaceships in orbit more efficiently. With so many satellites zipping around Earth, it is getting crowded up there! Sometimes, we need to grab a satellite for repair or refueling, but it is tricky to approach it without crashing. This research creates a new computer program (IPOPT) to determine how to fly the "catcher" spaceship to meet the target satellite. What makes this special is that it considers how much fuel the catcher has and how fast it needs to get there, unlike older methods that do not consider these limitations. By using IPOPT, we can save precious fuel and make space repair missions more realistic. It is essential because it allows us to get more life out of our existing satellites and keeps space junk to a minimum!

Roshan Sah

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This page is a summary of: Optimal Finite Thrust Rendezvous Maneuvers of Chaser Spacecraft Towards Capturing Target Object, January 2024, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2024-1633.
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