Publication
Control analysis for a contactless de-tumbling method based on eddy currents: problem definition and approximate proposed solutions
Natalia Ortiz Gómez; Scott J.I. Walker; Marko Jankovic; Juan Manuel Romero Martin; Frank Kirchner; Massimilano Vasile
In: AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference. AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech-2016), January 4-8, San Diego, California, USA, Pages 1-25, ISBN DOI: 10.2514/6.2016-0642, 1/2016.
Abstract
Existing active debris removal (ADR) methods that require physical contact with the
target have applicability limitations depending on the maximum angular momentum that
can be absorbed. Therefore, a de-tumbling phase prior to the capturing phase may be
necessary. The aim of this article is to present the on-going work on the control mod-
ule of a contactless de-tumbling subsystem based on eddy currents (`Eddy Brake'). This
research is being carried out in the framework of the Agora mission (Active Grabbing &
Orbital Removal of Ariane), which employs a robotic spacecraft concept to demonstrate
technologies to autonomously de-tumble, capture and de-orbit an Ariane rocket body. The
article frst presents the `Eddy Brake' method and the Guidance, Navigation and Control
(GNC) architecture of a chaser spacecraft. Furthermore, the linear and rotational dynam-
ics based on the Magnetic Tensor Theory (MTT) are explained. Then, a control strategy
is presented to keep a constant relative distance between the two objects and a suitable
relative pointing of the coil towards the target object. A simplified analytical solution
for the control of the two objects in the 2D problem is presented and the stability of the
system in the vicinity of a stable asymptotic state is analysed. Finally, two case studies are
presented on the Ariane-4 H10 and Ariane-5 EPS upper stages.