Computational Guidance Using Model Predictive Static Programming for Challenging Space Missions: An Introductory Tutorial with Example Scenarios
Radhakant Padhi, Avijit Banerjee, S. Mathavaraj, Srianish Vutukuri
Abstract
Several essential services, such as cellular phones, the Internet, television, navigation, weather prediction, and remote sensing, rely on satellites in low-Earth orbits, the technology for which is fairly mature by now. With the advent of the 21st century, space exploration has evolved to accomplish various complex and challenging missions, both within and beyond low-Earth orbits. Next-generation space missions will focus on more complex orbital operations, which include active debris removal; on-orbit servicing through rendezvous and docking; cooperative missions with multiple satellites, such as constellation and cluster formations; and so on. In addition, traversing uncharted territories, such as halo orbits around Lagrange points, probing multiple asteroids and comets across the solar system and beyond, and autonomous landing on planetary bodies, have become part of challenging missions that are increasingly common. Several space organizations of various countries (including capable private players) are showing great interest in such missions for a variety of reasons, such as basic curiosity to explore the universe and its origin and harnessing minerals and energy from other planetary bodies.