Near Optimal Autonomous Guidance and Control for Low-Thrust Rendezvous

Low-thrust electric propulsion can perform orbital transfers much more efficiently in terms of propellant usage when compared to conventional chemical propulsion.á However, guidance design for low-thrust spacecraft is much more challenging than existing guidance methods for high-thrust chemical systems.á The proposed command software, based on our onboard guidance algorithm, will update thrust-direction requirements to stay on track towards an intended target orbit. This configuration results in more rapid turnaround of commands, allowing for near-optimal control. Currently, traditional command functions are performed through ground-based operations centers that require access to data links and inherently introduce latency from inefficient processes. This results in sub-optimal guidance solutions sent to the spacecraft and is compounded by the orbital deviations that cannot be accounted for remotely. The proposed onboard command software will continually update guidance and thrust requirements to find a new trajectory to the target, if necessary, and will ensure that the target orbit is achieved. This allows near instantaneous assessment, determination, and execution of required guidance adjustments. This research represents a quantum leap in guidance system capability, which will reshape mission design for generations.