Bio-inspired Position Control of Satellite Constellations

Abstract

We present a biologically inspired controller for creating formations in satellite swarms. This controller can place satellites in formation where there is equal spacing between individuals, or place them all in the same location. The controller is fully decentralized without any human control. It only relies on simple satellite capabilities such as light sensing, neighbor communication, and attitude control, enabling it to run on the simplest of satellites. We present the controller and demonstrate its operation in a realistic simulation environment.