Low orbit spacecraft service planning

The methodical approach for Space Servicing System (SSS) orbit parameters select and flyby planning of LEO spacecraft needed servicing (target SC). The SSS is a set of base stations (BS) for servicing Target SC by means of detachable orbital modules (OM) located on BS of returnable and non-returnable types. The serviced system can be either a classical satellite system in which altitudes of all target SC orbits are the same, or may consist of spacecraft located in orbits of different altitude, that greatly complicates the task. Servicing is understood as the implementation of maneuvers for the transfer of OM in the vicinity of target SC. The task of service planning is to determine the flyby order to all target SC with lowest energy consumption for transfers. It is assumed that each flight is carried out within a time interval specified for maintenance and with minimum characteristic velocity. The example of BS orbit parameters and their amount select is shown basing on the map of longitudes of ascending nodes (LAN deviation map) of target SC orbits in order to perform timely and efficient OM transfers to the vicinities of target SC. © 2017 International Astronautical Federation IAF. All rights reserved.