Analysis of the Impact of Tiny Space Debris on Double Satellite Formation for Gravity Recovery Missions
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 38, Issue 1
Abstract
Space debris brings severe threats to the safety of spacecraft in low orbit. As a typical satellite system with high accuracy in low Earth orbit, the impact of space debris on TianQin-2 (TQ-2) is likely to result in the divergence of the control system, which will affect the scientific exploration mission. In this paper, the robustness of long-term missions for TQ-2 in a debris environment in low orbit is studied. Firstly, the models of the attitude and orbit control system for the double satellite formation and test mass of TQ-2 are established. Secondly, probability and momentum models of space debris that impact the TQ-2 is established, and the distribution of space debris and the probability density of time for two independent collisions are obtained according to the relevant conditions. Finally, through Monte Carlo simulation and statistics, the critical linear and angular momentum that causes the control system to diverge are analyzed and calculated. The changes in orbit and attitude for the control system in the critical state are simulated. During the 3-year mission period, the probability of the TQ-2’s control system exiting science mode or diverging due to debris impact was studied, which provides a reference for the normal manner and management of the TQ-2 in orbit.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
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Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 38 • Issue 1 • January 2025
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 19, 2023
Accepted: Jun 3, 2024
Published online: Sep 25, 2024
Published in print: Jan 1, 2025
Discussion open until: Feb 25, 2025
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