A generalized framework for autonomous formation reconfiguration of multiple spacecraft

Formation flying scenarios involve the coordinated control of multiple spacecraft to achieve specific scientific measurements for a mission. Formation reconfiguration is the process that allows science data acquisition by aligning each spacecraft in a desired configuration. Formation reconfiguration is thus a necessary step to enable the science goals of formation flying missions, and involves combining knowledge derived from many diverse fields in order to adequately formulate the problems that exist and develop robust solutions to address them. For that reason, control of autonomous flying formations is a very broad problem space, and there is considerable research in many of the different sub areas that are encompassed by this field. In this paper, we suggest a framework to define a generalized structure for combining divergent solutions to formation flying control, with a focus on developing a system capable of autonomous reasoning for formation flying reconfiguration. We also explore selected areas of research that are relevant to addressing the reconfiguration problem. In this paper, we discuss a generalized framework that can incorporate all necessary aspects of reconfiguration, from constraint satisfaction to cooperative autonomous control CAC, into an autonomous control system. This framework allows the control process that is currently handled on the ground to be handled by the fleet in space. The integration of multiple technologies into a generalized framework can assist the fleet by allowing independent spacecrafts to determine how to maneuver in situations where due to time and/or communication constraints they can not depend on ground control for assistance.