Astrodynamics and Celestial Mechanics
Research on dynamical systems has become an indispensable tool for the design of space missions. Smart-1, Genesis or Herschel/Plank could not have been accomplished without the low energy methods first introduced by Conely in the 1960's and its subsequent flowering in the 1980's and 1990's. Its actual goal consists in the application of this kind of techniques to the determination of low energy Earth-Moon transfers as well as transfers from the asteroid belt to the neighbourhood of the Earth.
[+]
The problem of autonomous formation flying of spacecraft and the development and testing of control mechanisms is a current challenging problem. The high degree of precision required for these missions is a particular scientific challenge that requires a high level of mathematical input both in the development and validation of formation flying algorithms.
ICCUB Contribution
The ICCUB’s researchers on Astrodynamics are devoting their efforts to addressing some fundamental issues concerning formation flying for multiple spacecraft. These include: the transfer of a set of spacecraft to either an Earth orbit, or to a libration zone, the deployment of formations from stacks of satellites and the proximity manoeuvring for pointing and reconfiguration.
[+]
The main goal of the ICCUB’s researchers is to develop and implement algorithms based on recent advances obtained by them and other collaborating teams. The proposed methodology will enable the transfer of spacecraft to tactical locations by developing a strategy that mimics those of flocks of birds.
Further developments will incorporate collision avoidance algorithms currently under development in the area of complexity science, that have evolved from the principles of molecular dynamics. The implications of developing these methodologies are far reaching and could potentially impact on path planning methodologies throughout the physical sciences.
Lines of Research
- Develop tools to explain in a natural way different astronomical patterns
Members
