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This paper presents system-level hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulation results for three different guidance, navigation, and control experiments designed for in-flight demonstration on the PRISMA formation-flying satellite mission. The mission consists of two spacecraft: Main and Target. The Main satellite has full orbit control capability, whereas Target is attitude-controlled only. Launch is planned for November 2009. The simulation results presented demonstrate the feasibility and readiness for flight as well as the expected in-flight performance. The three experiments include Global Positioning System and vision-based formation flying for two spacecraft in both passive and forced motion. In addition to these simulation results, the paper gives an overview of the PRISMA mission in general and the guidance, navigation, and control experiments in particular. The hardware-in-the-loop real-time test environment is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The PRISMA project for autonomous formation flying and rendezvous has passed its critical design review in February–March 2007. The project comprises two satellites which are an in-orbit testbed for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) algorithms and sensors for advanced formation flying and rendezvous. Several experiments involving GNC algorithms, sensors and thrusters will be performed during a 10 month mission with launch planned for the second half of 2009. The project is run by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) in close cooperation with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the French Space Agency (CNES) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Additionally, the project also will demonstrate flight worthiness of two novel motor technologies: one that uses environmentally clean and non-hazardous propellant, and one that consists of a microthruster system based on MEMS technology. The project will demonstrate autonomous formation flying and rendezvous based on several sensors—GPS, RF-based and vision based—with different objectives and in different combinations. The GPS-based onboard navigation system, contributed by DLR, offers relative orbit information in real-time in decimetre range. The RF-based navigation instrument intended for DARWIN, under CNES development, will be tested for the first time on PRISMA, both for instrument performance, but also in closed loop as main sensor for formation flying. Several rendezvous and proximity manoeuvre experiments will be demonstrated using only vision based sensor information coming from the modified star camera provided by DTU. Semi-autonomous operations ranging from 200km to 1m separation between the satellites will be demonstrated. With the project now in the verification phase particular attention is given to the specific formation flying and rendezvous functionality on instrument, GNC-software and system level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SMART-1 is the first of a series of ESA Small Missions for Advance Research and Technology where elements of the platform and the payload technology have been conceived as a demonstration for future cornerstone missions and an early opportunity for science. SMART-1 has also been an opportunity to experiment with new ways of conducting ground operations taking advantage of both increased satellite autonomy and ground automation tools. The paper will focus on three areas: [1.] The accumulated performance of the technology demonstration components since launch as the electrical propulsion engine, the triple-junction solar cells, the lithium-ion batteries, the 32 bit CPU ERC32 Single Chip, the CAN bus, the DTU Star Trackers and the complex on-board autonomy. [2.] The changes implemented on-board and on the ground during the lunar phase to increase the data return. [3.] The pros and contras in some of the choices made for SMART-1, the developments and solutions implemented to mitigate the problems, the tools developed to automate the operations and the distribution of data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]