Optimal design of the satellite constellation arrangement reconfiguration process

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 58; no. 3; pp. 372 - 386
• Main Authors: Fakoor, Mahdi, Bakhtiari, Majid, Soleymani, Mahshid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2016
• Subjects: Algorithms; Cost engineering; IWO/PSO algorithm; Lambert targeting problem; Optimal design; Optimization; Orbitals; Reconfiguration; Reconfiguration process; Satellite constellation; Satellite constellations; Satellites; Swarm intelligence; IWO/PSO algorithm; Reconfiguration process; Satellite constellation; Lambert targeting problem; Optimal design
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2016.04.031

•A novel approach for reconfiguration of the satellite constellations is introduced.•Coupled non-simultaneous flight idea is presented to minimize reconfiguration phase.•Globally optimal solution is achieved by the efficient hybrid IWO/PSO technique. In this article, a novel approach is introduced for the satellite constellation reconfiguration based on Lambert’s theorem. Some critical problems are raised in reconfiguration phase, such as overall fuel cost minimization, collision avoidance between the satellites on the final orbital pattern, and necessary maneuvers for the satellites in order to be deployed in the desired position on the target constellation. To implement the reconfiguration phase of the satellite constellation arrangement at minimal cost, the hybrid Invasive Weed Optimization/Particle Swarm Optimization (IWO/PSO) algorithm is used to design sub-optimal transfer orbits for the satellites existing in the constellation. Also, the dynamic model of the problem will be modeled in such a way that, optimal assignment of the satellites to the initial and target orbits and optimal orbital transfer are combined in one step. Finally, we claim that our presented idea i.e. coupled non-simultaneous flight of satellites from the initial orbital pattern will lead to minimal cost. The obtained results show that by employing the presented method, the cost of reconfiguration process is reduced obviously.