ESA GNC Conference Papers Repository

Rapid collision identification and avoidance is a necessary capability for distributed implementation of path planning tools on formation flying spacecraft. A Finite Element approach has been shown to produce globally optimal reconfiguration solutions for formations of satellites at Libration points. This paper presents an approach for rapid collision identification, and fuel optimal trajectory shaping around multiple collisions, while in natural motion about Earth and along reconfiguration trajectories. Collision identification and trajectory shaping is explored with respect to whole formation simultaneous reconfiguration. An analytic method is used to enhance the computation time of the Finite Element approach for global fuel-optimal formation reconfiguration. The Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire relative motion dynamics are utilized. Results illustrate a means for dramatic decreases in path planning computation time for large formations of satellites.