Motion control of an inspection satellite near the International Space Station

The article describes the process of mathematical modeling of the motion of an inspector satellite in the vicinity of the International Space Station using low-thrust engines. Among the capabilities of the satellite inspector, it is worth highlighting a long flyby around the station, its inspection and maintenance. During the work, the zones of safe movement of the satellite in the vicinity of the station were determined. Based on the Clohessy-Wiltshire equations, equations for maneuvering an inspector satellite under a control action are constructed. The time intervals of the engines, which provide acceleration and deceleration of the satellite in specific traffic areas, have been calculated. The results of simulated flights of the inspector satellite to the area of the station's docking node are presented, which were studied from the point of view of safety, accuracy, as well as the choice of low-thrust engines depending on their technical characteristics.