Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 1997. / This dissertation considers the feasibility of using atmospheric drag to control
constellations of micro-satellites in low Earth orbits. The constellation control
requirements include an acquisition phase and a maintenance phase. Optimal
strategies are designed to control the relative positions of the satellites during these
two phases. It is shown that the feasibility and success of the strategies depend on
many factors, including the satellite properties and orbital configuration. A nominal
test constellation is presented and used as a generic example for the application of the
control strategies.
The dissertation also focuses on the accurate modelling and simulation of a typical
low Earth orbit satellite, moving under the influence of a variety of significant orbit
perturbation forces. The simulations form an integral part of the study and are used to
verify the application of all the proposed control strategies.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/1204 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Du Toit, Daniel N.J. |
| Contributors | Du Plessis, J. J., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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