| In order to lower the cost of maintaining satellites in orbit, spacecraft designers are seeking flight software that provides more autonomy. Longitude station-keeping and eccentricity are good candidates for autonomous control. The algorithm presented in this paper couples longitude control with eccentricity control. After the basic longitude control algorithm was written, a differential correction scheme was added resulting in an improved longitude error of +/− 0.015 degrees longitude. Finally, longitude control and two-part maneuvers for eccentricity control were implemented. The result is good longitude control and eccentricity control to the mission constraints desired. |
