Two-Stage Controller Algorithm for Multi-Spacecraft Interferometric Imaging Systems

In this article a method to calculate near fuel optimal trajectories for imaging missions using multi-spacecraft interferometric imaging systems (MSIIS) is described. The trajectories are calculated using an algorithm that calculates near-minimum fuel solutions subject to near-Earth orbit dynamics, taking into account that the relative distance between target and formation is varying during the time of the imaging maneuver. The algorithm extends previous works where a two-stage algorithm was used to find near-minimum solutions for the optimal fuel problem under Clohessy-Wiltshire equations of motion in a geostationary configuration. The algorithm consists of a higher level nonlinear programming problem, and a low-level linear quadratic tracker that solves for near-minimum trajectories and calculates the dynamics and fuel requirements for this type of maneuver. As application of this methodology, different cases where it could be applied are simulated.