Space Colloquium Würzburg

Distributed space system is a system composed of multiple satellites that are physically disconnected but collaborate on orbit to realize the same space mission. Formation flying, cluster and constellation are three typical distributed space systems. In recent years, low-Earth-orbit mega constellation have received widespread attention, due to their potential to provide full-coverage, high-bandwidth and low-latency telecommunication services. The inter-satellite distance of mega constellation is much larger than that of close formations and clusters, and the numerous satellites increases the TT&C requirements on the ground, that brings new problems in dynamics and control.

This presentation discusses challenges of distributed space systems in terms of dynamics and control issues, and presents our ongoing researches. We propose the novel relative motion dynamics model for arbitrary-separation relative motion, develop the on-orbit coordinated control capability by self-organizing control, realize long-term maintenance control by setting bias of orbital elements, discuss the bounded flight and boundary control method, and study the collaborative observation problem for on-orbit cooperation.

Interested persons can dial in for the presentation at https://go.uniwue.de/space-colloquium. 

Curriculum Vitae Dr. Zhaokui: Dr. Wang Zhaokui has been working as associate professor (tenured in 2018) in Tsinghua University since 2009. His research aims at small satellite of scientific exploration and enabling technology of distributed space systems. His efforts lie at the intersection of advanced astrodynamics, space mission analysis and design, and multiagent control of spacecraft swarm to meet the tight requirements posed by these novel space architectures. Dr. Wang is the head of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, the founder and director of the Distributed Spacecraft System Lab (DSSL). He is also the designer-in-chief of Tsinghua gravity and atmosphere scientific satellite. Dr. Wang is in the expert advisory group for many projects being demonstrated in China, such as deep space exploration, lunar exploration, on-orbit servicing. He is the representative of IAF member Tsinghua University, Member of AIAA, Member of IEEE. He has also served as a program member of the IAA Scitech Forum 2018-2020.