Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking for Space Debris Mitigation

Launch vehicles are nonlinear dynamic systems that require skill to maneuver in tight spaces as required for docking and berthing maneuvers (DBMs). This problem is akin to the difficult task of parallel parking for ground vehicles. However, whereas the latter task can be based on a simple kinematic model, DBMs for space vehicles require the use of more complex dynamic models due to the need to model the less precise actuators (e.g., thrusters) and to explicitly consider the inertia of the vehicle due to the lack of friction or environmental resistance.

Supplemental Notes:
- Program Information: Centers of Excellence, Commercial Space Transportation. Additional contract numbers: 10-C-CST-SU-014, 10-C-CST-FSU-007, 10-C-CST-SU-028,10-C-CST-FSU-027 .

Language

English

Project

Status: Active
Funding: $601500.00
Contract Numbers:
10-C-CST-SU-004

10-C-CST-UFL-006
Sponsor Organizations:
Federal Aviation Administration

800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC United States 20591
Project Managers:
Davidian, Ken
Performing Organizations:
Florida State University, Miami

University Park Campus
Miami, FL United States 33199-

University of Florida, Gainsville

339 Weil Hall
Gainsville, FL United States 32611

Stanford University

320 Panama Street
Stanford, CA United States 94305
Principal Investigators:
Collins, Emmanuel

Fitz-Coy, Norman

Rock, Stephen
Start Date: 20110124
Expected Completion Date: 0
Actual Completion Date: 20150831
Source Data: RiP Project 30228

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Autonomous vehicle guidance; Docking; Launch vehicles; Spacecraft
Uncontrolled Terms: Debris; Orbital debris
Subject Areas: Aviation; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01571736
Record Type: Research project
Source Agency: Department of Transportation
Contract Numbers: 10-C-CST-SU-004, 10-C-CST-UFL-006
Files: RiP
Created Date: Jul 29 2015 1:01AM