Optimal online station-keeping strategy for communication satellites in geosynchronous orbit

In this paper, we investigate the algorithm for autonomous station-keeping for communication satellites in geostationary orbit. An impulsive optimal feedback controller, based on the pseudospectral method is proposed. The receding horizon concept is employed to control the satellites toward its predefined slot. Computer simulation results show that the closed-form controller based on state transformation matrix is asymptotically stable with fast error suppression ability, despite the effects from perturbing forces, especially the attractions from the non-spherical Earth, and the third body, i.e. the Sun and the Moon. The fuel expenditure in the proposed algorithm is optimized along the control horizon. Furthermore, it requires less computational burden than general optimization methods, hence it is suitable for online implementation.