Dynamics and Control of Distributed Space Systems
- Optimal formationkeeping, modelling and visualization of spacecraft formations : This research is devoted to optimal formation-keeping of multiple-spacecraft formations, and developing a concomitant visualization and simulation package for modelling spacecraft relative motion, for applications ranging from rendezvous to long-baseline interferometry.
- Closed-loop rendezvous and docking: We have been developing autonomous rendezvous algorithms under various perturbations and system faults, such as missed thrust.
Astrodynamics
- Space situational awareness: We are investigating a few methods for tracking noncooperative objects using various sensors, and study related pose, motion and structure estimation methods.
- Astrodynamical modelling and control of geostationarry satellites: The increasing lifetime of GEO satellites poses new challenges for astrodynamicists. One such challenge, for instance, is modelling the effect of SRP on the long-term dynamics of defunct communication satellites and space debris; we also develop autonomous station-keeping and collocation algorithms.
- Long-term behavior of orbits: Using semi-analytical modelling a myriad of other orbital propagation methods, the goal is to determine the long-term faith of natural and artificial satellites orbiting various planets and moons.
- The restricted three-body-problem: Mars, Phobos, Deimos: Where are the Lagrangian points located? Do they exist under solar gravity? How to escape/collide with the Martian satellites?
Orbit Propagation, Control and Optimization
- Variational integrators: It can be shown that variational transformations exhibit symmetry which may be utilized to reduce the local integration error of the Runge-Kutta method. We are still looking for the best variational method.
- Resonant control of orbits: Can an artificial resonance, created using low-thrust profile modulation, be efficient in orbit control, rendezvous and low-thrust transfers?