Guidance and targeting simulation for automated rendezvous

The automation of spacecraft rendezvous system proved to be cost-effective for ground operations of a Space Station resupply tasks and for meeting with other space conveyance. The automated rendezvous required onboard system that proceeds through successive events, including orbit transfers, to obtain chaser vehicle/target vehicle meeting without aid from a ground support team. A proficient rule-based targeting method delineating the phasing orbits and the orbit transfer times needed for rendezvous was demonstrated. The system can be applied either for organizing automated rendezvous on the ground or for a real-time operation on-board the chaser. The guidance scheme required for regulating the phasing of two spacecrafts was based on the Calculus of Variations. Simulations of the target assignments at different altitudes and relative phasing angles were made. Graphs were employed to show the outcome of the on-orbit maneuvers.