Study of pointing maneuvers for a spacecraft virtual structure formation

This paper describes a complex virtual simulation of three spacecraft in tight formation. Using rotational kinematics and rigid body dynamics, the virtual spacecraft structure is designed to perform calculated and synchronized maneuvers to point the formation in a desired direction. Modern control theories are applied to maintain the integrity of the tight formation and minimize errors as the entire system reorients to tracks the target object with its virtual boresight. This process involves determining the required independent orientation (Eulerian) angles using the target vector coordinates with respect to the initial orientation of the formation.