Control of a Noncooperative Approach Maneuver Based on Debris Dynamics Feedback

Space Debris removal is a critical issue related to space research. One of the key requirements for a removal mission is the assessment of the target rotational dynamics. Ground observations are not sufficient for reaching the accuracy level required to guide the chaser spacecraft during the capture maneuver. Moreover, the guidance and control strategy for the chaser to approach the target is a critical aspect of such missions. This paper presents simulation results of two complementary methods, one for estimating the entire rotational dynamic state of the target and the other for accurately controlling the approach maneuver. In particular, the information coming from the identification and prediction of the actual motion of the tumbling axis of the target is exploited by the second method for aligning the docking interface of the chaser with that axis at the instant of capture. The dynamics estimation is based on Kalman filtering in an original combination with compressive sampling techniques for making the method robust to failures of observation sensors. The guidance of the chaser is based on a model predictive control law. The combined simulation of the employment of the methods has revealed the feasibility of the global approach.