Distributed satellite system autonomous orbital control with recursive filtering

In this article, we propose a recursive orbital elements filter for autonomous control of Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) that significantly reduces the variance of relative orbital elements between the observed and the desired satellite orbits. Leveraging satellite kinematics and control inputs data, combined with a model of relative dynamics, the filter provides smooth and continuous orbital control, while minimizing propellant consumption. In conjunction with Precise Point Positioning (PPP) navigation, the proposed filter enables onboard continuous low-thrust control compatible with high-performance electric propulsion. We also propose a restricted transverse/normal control law that simplifies the thruster's configurations and/or attitude manoeuvres required for propulsion pointing. The applicability and validity of our proposed techniques are verified by numerical simulations with two case studies: a constellation for Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) for global infrastructure monitoring; and a maritime domain awareness mission based on along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar which requires single -pass interferometry for responsive ship traffic surveillance, and the coverage of a very large maritime zone with high revisit rates.