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Analyzing Dynamics of Cooperating SpacecraftA software library has been developed to enable high-fidelity computational simulation of the dynamics of multiple spacecraft distributed over a region of outer space and acting with a common purpose. All of the modeling capabilities afforded by this software are available independently in other, separate software systems, but have not previously been brought together in a single system. A user can choose among several dynamical models, many high-fidelity environment models, and several numerical-integration schemes. The user can select whether to use models that assume weak coupling between spacecraft, or strong coupling in the case of feedback control or tethering of spacecraft to each other. For weak coupling, spacecraft orbits are propagated independently, and are synchronized in time by controlling the step size of the integration. For strong coupling, the orbits are integrated simultaneously. Among the integration schemes that the user can choose are Runge-Kutta Verner, Prince-Dormand, Adams-Bashforth-Moulton, and Bulirsh- Stoer. Comparisons of performance are included for both the weak- and strongcoupling dynamical models for all of the numerical integrators.
Document ID
20110016862
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Hughes, Stephen P.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Folta, David C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Conway, Darrel J.
(Thinking Systems, Inc. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, June 2004
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Report/Patent Number
GSC-14735-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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