Control of Spacecraft Relative Motion in a Tandem Flight Configuration

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of controlling the relative motion of spacecraft (SC) in a tandem flight configuration. Flight configurations of two SC that form the so-called ballistically linked group and fly at a relatively small distance from each other are described. The effect of the evolution of orbital elements on the nature of the relative motion of SC in tandem is analyzed. The problems of orbit correction for maintaining the given tandem configuration are considered. Correction energy costs are estimated.