Stabilization of Non-Cooperative Satellites in Low Earth Orbits using Inter-Satellite Atmospheric Drag

Abstract

This paper presents a novel solution to the problem of stabilization of non-cooperative satellites in low Earth orbits, which utilizes inter-satellite aerodynamic drag effects for generation of aerodynamics moments in the wake of a controlled satellite. Hence, by altering the position of a smaller controlled satellite, we are able to change the wake region and thus provide aerodynamic moments for de-spinning and attitude control of a non-cooperative satellite. The paper provides a detailed description of the problem, the proposed solution, and shows its performance through simulations. This work represents a new direction within control of non-cooperative satellites in low Earth orbits that to the authors knowledge has never been studied before.