Related papers: An Autonomous, End-to-End, Convex-Based Framework …
A robust drift-safe rendezvous trajectory optimization tool is developed in this work, with applications to orbital rendezvous and proximity operations. The method is based on direct collocation and utilizes a sequential convex programming…
This paper presents a convex approach to the optimization of a cooperative rendezvous, that is, the problem of two distant spacecraft that simultaneously operate to get closer. Convex programming guarantees convergence towards the optimal…
This paper proposes a nonlinear guidance algorithm for fuel-optimal impulsive trajectories for rendezvous operations close to a reference orbit. The approach involves overparameterized monomial coordinates and a high-order approximation of…
As satellites have proliferated, interest has increased in autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (ARPOD). A fundamental challenge in these tasks is the uncertainties when operating in space, e.g., in measurements of…
Reliable real-time trajectory generation is essential for future autonomous spacecraft. While recent progress in nonconvex guidance and control is paving the way for onboard autonomous trajectory optimization, these methods still rely on…
Conjunction analysis and maneuver planning for spacecraft collision avoidance remains a manual and time-consuming process, typically involving repeated forward simulations of hand-designed maneuvers. With the growing density of satellites…
We present a real-time-capable set-based framework for closed-loop predictive control of autonomous systems using tools from computational geometry, dynamic programming, and convex optimization. The control architecture relies on the…
In this paper, the trajectory planning problem for autonomous rendezvous and docking between a controlled spacecraft and a tumbling target is addressed. The use of a variable planning horizon is proposed in order to construct an appropriate…
This paper presents the Visual Optical Recognition Telemetry EXtraction (VORTEX) system for extracting and analyzing drone telemetry data from First Person View (FPV) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) footage. VORTEX employs MMOCR, a…
This paper presents a comparative study of the applicability and accuracy of optimal control methods and neural network-based estimators in the context of porkchop plots for preliminary asteroid rendezvous mission design. The scenario…
This paper presents a computationally efficient optimization algorithm for solving nonconvex optimal control problems that involve discrete logic constraints. Traditional solution methods for these constraints require binary variables and…
As near-Earth resident space objects proliferate, there is an increasing demand for reliable technologies in applications of on-orbit servicing, debris removal, and orbit modification. Rendezvous and docking are critical mission phases for…
Minimum-fuel low-thrust rendezvous guidance yields bang-bang control structures highly sensitive to estimation errors, sensor anomalies, and solver regularization, making aggressive closed-loop execution brittle for uncooperative proximity…
A fundamental maneuver in autonomous space operations is known as rendezvous, where a spacecraft navigates to and approaches another spacecraft. In this case study, we present linear and nonlinear benchmark models of an active chaser…
The collision avoidance constraints are prominent as non-convex, non-differentiable, and challenging when defined in optimization-based motion planning problems. To overcome these issues, this paper presents a novel non-conservative…
Interstellar objects (ISOs) are likely representatives of primitive materials invaluable in understanding exoplanetary star systems. Due to their poorly constrained orbits with generally high inclinations and relative velocities, however,…
Optimal control problems with discrete-valued inputs are inherently challenging due to their mixed-integer nature, rendering them generally intractable for real-time, safety-critical aerospace applications. Lossless convexification offers a…
Optimizing space vehicle routing is crucial for critical applications such as on-orbit servicing, constellation deployment, and space debris de-orbiting. Multi-target Rendezvous presents a significant challenge in this domain. This problem…
Future multi-spacecraft missions require robust autonomous trajectory optimization capabilities to ensure safe and efficient rendezvous operations. This capability hinges on solving non-convex optimal control problems in real-time, although…
We implement a fully factorization-free algorithm for nonconvex, free-final-time trajectory optimization. This algorithm is based on sequential convex programming and utilizes an inverse-free, exact discretization procedure to ensure…