On distributed control strategies for spacecraft formation flying

Abstract

In this paper we consider the problem of designing control strategies for formation flying. Although stemming from particular goals and controls, the analysis performed here outlines several aspects independent from the dynamics or the control objective. First, we describe some of the difficulties that one faces when controlling formations under different vector fields. Secondly, we see how the dynamics can also be exploited to design controls in an advantageous way. Finally, we introduce a statistical approach useful to derive information on the efficiency of these kind of controls.