Optimized relative phase maintenance for heterogeneous area-to-mass ratio microsatellite constellations

Abstract Long-term maintenance missions present a challenge for low-orbit heterogeneous area-to-mass ratio (AMR) microsatellite constellations due to inconsistent fuel consumption and carrying capacity. Based on the idea of cooperative control, fuel-rich satellites is properly increased in this paper assist fuel-starved saving fuel, so as optimize balance each satellite extend controllable lifetime constellation. The evolution relative phase under J 2 atmospheric drag perturbation analyzed. target configuration strategy are modeled optimized based principle balance. traditional absolute method AMR constellation devised. On basis, orbit altitude with simulated annealing algorithm improve method, genetic further reduce enhance Finally, three methods contrasted.