A Universal Design Method for Spacecraft On-Orbit Separation

Abstract

With the diversity and complexity of space exploration missions，the multi-mission and multi-target exploration with single spacecraft of multiple modules is the development trend of space technology. Under normal conditions，the separation signals trigger the continuous autonomous control，which influences the safety of spacecraft and follow-up missions. In this paper，a typical separation signal configuration and a common logical control method based on the trigger of separation signal are proposed aiming at guaranteeing the reliability of separation signal and safety of separation. A mathematical model is set up for on-orbit separation of spacecraft modules as well. Both the model and control method have been simulated，analyzed and tested with practical flight missions. The feasibility and validity of this method are demonstrated for the follow-up flight missions.

Keywords

spacecraft / on-orbit separation / universality

References

[1] ?杨建中,祁玉峰. 航天器上使用的可解锁连接与分离装置[J]. 航天器工程,2003,12(1):47-54
YANG J Z,QI Y F. A joining and separating vehicle using in spacecraft[J]. Spacecraft Engineering,2003,12(1):47-54
[2] 刘习文,刘斌. CZ-2F返回舱和逃逸飞行器分离试验技术[J]. 导弹与航天运载技术,2004,1:67-72
LIU X W,LIU B. The separation test technology of LM-2F’s return module and escape vehicle[J]. Missiles and Space Vehicles,2004,1:67-72
[3] 刘赛，徐世杰. 组合航天器分离动力学与控制研究[C]//全国第十三届空间及运动体控制技术学术会议. 宜昌：全国第十三届空间及运动体控制技术学术会议，2008.
LIU S，XU S J. Research on the separation dynamics and control of compound spacecraft[C]//The Thirteenth national Conference of Interspace and Vehicle Control. Yichang，The Thirteenth national Conference of Interspace and Vehicle Control，2008.
[4] 张伍，杜颖. 一种航天器在轨分离机电信号触发控制方法：中国，ZL201218005623. X[P]. 2015-8-12
[5] JEYAKUMAR D,BISWAS K K,et al. Stage separation dynamic analysis of upper stage of a multistage launch vehicle using retro rockets[J]. Mathematical and Computer Modelling,2005,41:849-866
[6] HUSTON R L. Computer methods in flexible multibody dynamics[J]. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering,1991,32(8):1657-1668