Interferometric Observatories in Earth Orbit

We propose a class of satellite constellations that can act as interferometric observatories in Earth orbit. The satellite constellation is capable of forming high-resolution images in timescales of a few hours without the need for active control beyond that needed for corrective maneuvers. First, w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of guidance, control, and dynamics control, and dynamics, 2004-03, Vol.27 (2), p.297-301
Main Authors: Hussein, I. I, Scheeres, D. J, Hyland, D. C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace engineering
Applied sciences
Approximation
Computer science
control theory
systems
Control theory. Systems
Exact sciences and technology
Numerical analysis
Observatories
Optimization
Partial differential equations
Satellites
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Summary:We propose a class of satellite constellations that can act as interferometric observatories in Earth orbit. The satellite constellation is capable of forming high-resolution images in timescales of a few hours without the need for active control beyond that needed for corrective maneuvers. First, we discuss the requirements to achieve these imaging goals. Next, we define a class of constellations that can achieve these goals. An optimization procedure is also defined that supplies m pixels of resolution with a minimum number of satellites. For the example considered, this procedure results in an observatory that is within 0-2 satellites from a lower bound of sq rt m satellites. The zonal J2 effect is used to scan the observatory across the celestial sphere. Finally, we discuss the practical implementation of these observatories.
ISSN:0731-5090
1533-3884
DOI:10.2514/1.1728