Virtual rendezvous and docking control for fractionated spacecraft based on electromagnetic force

An alternative actuation system for fractionated spacecraft is to use electromagnetic force without the expenditure of fuel. This paper investigates the novel application of virtual rendezvous and docking for fractionated spacecraft with concepts such as wireless power transfer in mind. Firstly, the magnetic force model and relative motion dynamics are introduced. Then, the feedback control law for circular motion of electromagnetic system is presented, and the control scheme for virtual rendezvous and docking is also proposed. Finally, the numerical simulations are carried out. Simulation results verify that the proposed approach is feasible and effective.