New method for GEO station keeping using hybrid propagator and optimization technique

In this paper, a method of station keeping strategy using relative orbital motion and numerical optimization technique is presented for geostationary spacecraft. Relative position vector with respect to an ideal geostationary orbit is generated using high precision orbit propagation, and compressed in terms of polynomial and trigonometric function. Then this relative orbit model is combined with optimization scheme to propose a very efficient and flexible method of station keeping planning. Proper selection of objective and constraint functions for optimization can yield a variety of station keeping methods improved over the classical ones. Nonlinear simulation results have been shown to support such concept.